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Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta

A close-up shot of a plate piled high with creamy caramelized onion pasta, seasoned with black pepper.
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Make this rich and comforting pasta featuring deeply sweet caramelized onions balanced in a velvety Parmesan sauce. It is an easy vegetarian dish perfect for a weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound pasta (linguine or spaghetti recommended)
  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Slice the onions thinly. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, combine the butter and olive oil. Add the sliced onions, salt, and pepper.
  2. Cook the onions slowly, stirring occasionally, for 30 to 45 minutes until they are deep golden brown and sweet. This slow cooking builds the flavor base.
  3. While the onions caramelize, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
  4. Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and thyme to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. If using wine, pour it into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine reduce by half, about 2 minutes.
  6. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and glossy. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach a silky consistency.
  8. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated. Add red pepper flakes now if you want a little heat.
  9. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top. This rich, savory pasta is a great alternative to using meal planning services for quick dinners.

Notes

  • For the deepest flavor, do not rush the onion caramelization process. Low and slow heat is key.
  • If you want to try a variation similar to French onion soup, add 1/2 cup of beef broth along with the cream.
  • This recipe is vegetarian, but you can add cooked bacon or pancetta for a non-vegetarian version.
  • If you are looking for easy weeknight pasta that feels gourmet, this recipe delivers without needing complex meal planning or expensive ingredients.

Nutrition

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