Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta Recipe
Introduction
If you’re looking for a comforting and indulgent dish, look no further than Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta. This recipe combines silky pasta with sweet, caramelized onions and a creamy sauce that’s simply irresistible. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or impressing your guests at dinner. Trust us, once you taste this dish, it will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation.
Why Make This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes!
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and a few fresh items.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves creamy pasta dishes!
- Unbelievably Delicious: Balanced flavors that comfort the soul.
What sets this dish apart is the rich sweetness of the caramelized onions, paired beautifully with a creamy sauce that clings to the pasta. It’s a satisfying meal that will impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients Needed
- For the Pasta:
- Pasta of choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite type)
- For the Sauce:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a vegan option)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)
- 1 tablespoon chili oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- To Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta
- Begin by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, drain it and set aside.
- In a large pan over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. Add the sliced onions and sauté them. Cook until they become golden brown and caramelized, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream). If you’re using nutritional yeast for a vegan option, add it now.
- Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast), and season with salt and pepper. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add your cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing well to coat each strand with that creamy goodness.
- For a little kick, drizzle with chili oil before serving and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.
Serving and Storage Tips
To serve, plate your pasta and garnish with parsley. You can also add extra cheese or a sprinkle of chili flakes for more flavor. For storage, keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
Helpful Notes
- Make Ahead: You can caramelize the onions in advance and store them in the fridge.
- Variations: Try adding spinach, mushrooms, or cooked chicken for added nutrition or flavor.
- For Vegans: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast to keep it plant-based.
Conclusion
Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta is a true winner in the kitchen. With its quick prep time and delightful flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. If you give it a try, please leave a comment and share your thoughts. We’d love to hear what delicious variations you tried! Share this recipe with friends on social media, and don’t hesitate to spark a conversation about your favorite pasta dishes!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a gluten-free pasta?
Yes, feel free to substitute traditional pasta with a gluten-free option like rice or quinoa pasta.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
Why did my sauce curdle?
The sauce may curdle if it gets too hot. Make sure to keep the heat low when adding the cream, stirring continuously.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze any leftovers. Just be aware that the texture may change slightly when reheated.
How thick should the consistency be?
The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still silky. If it’s too thick, a splash of pasta water can help loosen it.
Print
Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and indulgent dish combining silky pasta with sweet, caramelized onions and a creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- Pasta of choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite type)
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a vegan option)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)
- 1 tablespoon chili oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat, add the sliced onions, and sauté until golden brown and caramelized (about 15 to 20 minutes).
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream). If using nutritional yeast, add it now.
- Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast), and season with salt and pepper. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- Drizzle with chili oil before serving and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Notes
For make-ahead, caramelize the onions in advance and store in the fridge. You can add spinach, mushrooms, or cooked chicken for variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg