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Caramelized Onion Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 328 reviews

A rich and savory Caramelized Onion Pasta recipe featuring slowly cooked onions that develop deep, sweet flavors, combined with perfectly cooked pasta and melty parmesan. Finished with fresh parsley and black pepper for a comforting, flavorful meal that’s simple yet elegant.

Ingredients

Scale

Onions

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 medium yellow onions, halved and sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional, helps caramelize onions faster)

Pasta

  • 12 ounces pasta of choice
  • 2 teaspoons salt (for pasta water)

Finishing

  • 1/2–1 cup shredded parmesan (non-dairy, such as Violife shaved parmesan)
  • 2–3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Fresh ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the onions: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large sauté pan. Add the sliced onions and stir to coat in the oil, spreading them evenly across the pan. Cook, stirring every few minutes.
  2. Season the onions: After 10 minutes, sprinkle the onions with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon granulated sugar if desired to speed caramelization. Continue cooking the onions for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring frequently and lowering the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer. Add small amounts of water if the onions start to dry out. Cook until the onions turn a rich, deep brown color, then remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Cook the pasta: As the onions near completion, bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding about 2 teaspoons of salt. Cook the pasta according to package directions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
  4. Drain pasta and reserve liquid: Drain the pasta, reserving 2 cups of the pasta cooking water for later use.
  5. Combine pasta and onions: Add the drained pasta to the pan with the caramelized onions along with 1 cup of the reserved pasta water. Stir in the shredded parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce.
  6. Adjust consistency and season: If the pasta seems too thick, add more reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency. Stir in chopped fresh parsley and season generously with fresh ground black pepper.
  7. Serve immediately: Plate the pasta and enjoy while warm. Leftover pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

  • Using a low and slow cooking method for onions ensures proper caramelization without burning.
  • Adding sugar is optional but helps speed up caramelization and enhances sweetness.
  • Reserving pasta water is key for creating a silky sauce that coats the pasta well.
  • Non-dairy parmesan alternatives like Violife work great for a vegan-friendly option.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and gently reheat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Keywords: Caramelized Onion Pasta, Italian Pasta, Vegetarian Pasta, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food

Find it online: https://ricoloranz.com/caramelized-onion-pasta-recipe/