Description
This Caramelized Onion Pasta is a rich and comforting dish featuring sweet, slow-cooked onions combined with a creamy Parmesan sauce. The pasta is coated in a luscious blend of caramelized onions, garlic, white wine, broth, and cream, delivering a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. Ideal for an indulgent weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe elevates simple ingredients into a gourmet experience.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Caramelized Onion Sauce
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
- 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine or spaghetti)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions, sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook the onions slowly, stirring occasionally, for 25 to 30 minutes until they turn a golden brown and develop deep caramelized flavors. Reduce the heat as needed to prevent burning.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour the white wine into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer and reduce for a few minutes until mostly evaporated. This step adds depth to the sauce.
- Add Broth and Cream: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth along with the heavy cream. Stir well to combine and allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
- Add Cheese: Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely into the sauce. Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste preferences.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the rich, caramelized onion sauce.
- Serve: Divide the pasta among serving plates, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and, if desired, extra Parmesan cheese for additional flavor and presentation. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Take your time caramelizing the onions for the best flavor; rushing this step can result in less sweet and flavorful onions.
- The white wine is optional but adds a nice acidity and depth to the sauce. If you prefer not to use alcohol, simply omit or replace with additional broth.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting and more flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
- Feel free to swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a lighter cream to reduce richness, but the sauce will be less creamy.
- Garnish with extra herbs like thyme or basil for variation.
