Here’s a simple and flavorful Caramelized Onion Pasta recipe—rich, slightly sweet, and perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Caramelized Onion Pasta
Ingredients (2–4 servings)
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt (for onions)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or more to taste)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup pasta cooking water
Instructions
- Cook pasta
Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining. - Caramelize onions
While pasta cooks, melt butter (or heat olive oil) in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
Add onions and salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 20–25 minutes until soft and golden brown. - Add garlic & seasoning
Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes for the last 2 minutes. - Combine with pasta
Add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss with onions and a little reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce. - Finish & serve
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and parsley. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Tips
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of white wine while cooking the onions.
- Toss in mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for extra color and texture.
- Add crispy bacon or pancetta for a meaty version.
If you want, I can also give a slow-cooker version of caramelized onion pasta sauce that cooks onions all day for ultra-deep flavor—it’s like restaurant-level sweetness and richness. Do you want that?
