Description
Enjoy a comforting bowl of creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta, featuring sweet, golden onions, garlic, and a rich Parmesan sauce. This elegant yet simple dish is perfect for any occasion, making it a delightful choice for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces of pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
- 3 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup vegetable or chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside without rinsing.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions to the skillet and stir to coat with oil and butter.
- Sprinkle a pinch of salt and sugar over the onions.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and cook onions for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 5-10 minutes until golden brown and soft.
- Stir in minced garlic and thyme, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and simmer for another 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the sauce, coating evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
Notes
- Patience is Key: Caramelizing onions takes time; the longer you cook them, the sweeter they become.
- Use a Wide Skillet: A wide skillet allows for even caramelization.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheeses like Pecorino Romano or goat cheese for a unique flavor.
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes