Caramelized 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
Scale
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
