Print

Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta

creamy caramelized onion pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A cozy and comforting pasta dish featuring slowly caramelized onions blended into a silky cream sauce, perfect for simple weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (can substitute full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, pappardelle, or spaghetti)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup white wine (optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel and thinly slice about 3 medium yellow onions, keeping slices uniform for even cooking (about 5 minutes).
  2. Heat 3 tablespoons unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-low heat in a large skillet. Add onions and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally for 25-30 minutes until onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown. Add a splash of water if onions start to stick or burn.
  3. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Pour in ¼ cup white wine (optional) to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Let reduce for 2-3 minutes. Add 1 cup heavy cream and stir to combine. Simmer gently for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. While sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 8 ounces pasta according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain pasta, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
  6. Toss drained pasta into the creamy caramelized onion sauce. Add ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese and a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen sauce. Stir gently to coat pasta evenly.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh thyme if desired.

Notes

Slow caramelization of onions is key for deep flavor; cook low and slow to avoid burning. Use a wide pan for even cooking. Freshly grate Parmesan for best flavor. To prevent cream from curdling, keep heat low and simmer gently. Sauce can be loosened with reserved pasta water if too thick.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramelized onion pasta, creamy pasta, comfort food, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, simple ingredients

Find it online: https://bouncybowl.com/creamy-caramelized-onion-pasta-recipe-easy-5-step-comfort-meal/