Caramelized Onion Pasta with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This Caramelized Onion Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for any night of the week. Sweet, golden onions blend with creamy sauce and Parmesan cheese to create a rich and satisfying meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 2 large onions (thinly sliced)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
- 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine or spaghetti)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 25-30 minutes until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. Lower the heat if necessary to prevent burning.
- Step 3: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 4: If using, pour the white wine into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the wine is mostly evaporated.
- Step 5: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 6: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 7: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Step 8: Divide the pasta among serving plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, substitute half of the heavy cream with mascarpone cheese.
- If you prefer a tangy twist, add a splash of balsamic vinegar during the caramelizing step.
- Use your favorite pasta shape; rigatoni or penne work well to catch the sauce.
- To make it vegetarian, use vegetable broth and skip any meat additions.
- Cook onions slowly on low heat to maximize sweetness and avoid burning.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use vegetable broth, replace heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy alternative, and choose a vegan Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast.
Is the white wine necessary?
No, the white wine is optional. It adds depth and acidity to the sauce, but you can skip it or substitute with extra broth if you prefer.
PrintCaramelized Onion Pasta with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
A rich and creamy caramelized onion pasta dish featuring slow-cooked golden onions, a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, and perfectly al dente pasta. This elegant yet simple recipe blends sweet caramelized onions with garlic, white wine, and broth to create a flavorful sauce that coats the pasta beautifully, finished with fresh parsley garnish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Onions and Sauce
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
- 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine or spaghetti)
- Salt, to taste (for pasta water and seasoning)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions, sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir occasionally and cook for 25-30 minutes until the onions turn golden brown and caramelized, lowering heat if they start to burn. Be patient to develop the deep flavor.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine (if using) to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes until most of the wine evaporates.
- Add Broth and Cream: Add the vegetable or chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir to combine and simmer gently for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Cheese: Stir the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce until melted and fully incorporated. Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy caramelized onion sauce.
- Serve: Serve the pasta on plates and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Be patient when caramelizing onions; rushing can lead to burned onions and bitter flavors.
- White wine is optional but adds a lovely depth to the sauce; substitute with extra broth if you prefer.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smoother melting.
- Garnish with fresh parsley to add a pop of color and brightness.
Keywords: caramelized onion pasta, creamy pasta recipe, Italian pasta, Parmesan pasta, caramelized onions, easy dinner
