This Caramelized Onion Pasta is a creamy and comforting dish that combines sweet, soft onions with your favorite pasta. Simple ingredients come together for a delicious meal!
You’ll be amazed how easy it is! Just let the onions cook low and slow until golden. I could eat this pasta every week—and sometimes I do! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Farfalle is great for this dish, but you can use any pasta you like. Penne, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta would work well too, depending on your preferences.
Onions: Stick with yellow onions for their sweetness when caramelized. If you’re looking for a twist, try red onions for a bolder flavor, or use shallots for a milder taste.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, substitute with half-and-half or evaporated milk. For vegan alternatives, coconut cream works wonderfully to keep it creamy without dairy.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a lovely umami flavor. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast can give a similar cheesy flavor, or you can use vegan cheese.
How Do You Get Perfectly Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions is all about patience. The goal is to slowly cook them until they’re soft and golden. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use medium-low heat. This allows the onions to release their natural sugars without burning.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking, but don’t fuss over them constantly.
- Be patient! It usually takes about 25-30 minutes to reach that rich, deep color.
For a boost of flavor, you can sprinkle a little sugar on the onions halfway through cooking. This helps speed up the caramelization process a bit.
Enjoy making this dish and savor every bite of that creamy goodness!
Caramelized Onion Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Onions:
- 12 oz farfalle pasta (bow-tie pasta)
- 3 large onions, thinly sliced
For Cooking:
- 3 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and about 35-40 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll spend about 50 minutes preparing a delicious comforting meal that serves about 4 people!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the farfalle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (just firm to the bite). When it’s done, drain the pasta but be sure to save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later. Set the drained pasta aside.
2. Caramelizing the Onions:
While the pasta is cooking, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook them slowly, stirring occasionally. You want to do this for about 25-30 minutes until they are soft and turn a deep golden brown. The slow cooking allows the natural sugars in the onions to caramelize, adding sweetness to your dish.
3. Adding Garlic:
Once the onions are nicely caramelized, add the minced garlic into the skillet. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring often until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be sure it doesn’t burn; it can turn bitter quickly!
4. Making the Creamy Sauce:
Now, pour in the heavy cream and add the thyme, if you’re using it. Stir everything together and let it come to a gentle simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Finishing the Sauce:
Add in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it’s completely melted and the sauce has thickened slightly. Taste your sauce and add salt and black pepper to your liking.
6. Combining Pasta and Sauce:
Now it’s time to toss the cooked farfalle into the creamy sauce! Give it a good mix, and if the sauce is too thick, add a splash of your reserved pasta water to help coat the pasta evenly.
7. Serving Up:
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Dig in and enjoy every creamy bite of your comforting Caramelized Onion Pasta!
Enjoy your delicious meal! 🍝
Can I Use Different Types of Onions?
Yes! While yellow onions are ideal for caramelization due to their sweetness, you can experiment with red onions for a bolder flavor or shallots for a milder, more delicate taste.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian/Vegan?
To make this pasta vegetarian, simply ensure you’re using vegetable broth or stock along with the other ingredients. For a vegan version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese instead of Parmesan.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or pasta water when warming up on the stove for better consistency.
Can I Add Protein to This Dish?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even chickpeas can be great additions. Just cook them separately and toss them in with the pasta before serving.
