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Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

A close-up, appetizing photo of spaghetti tossed in rich sauce and topped with generous caramelized onion pasta and fresh parsley.
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Make this dreamy Caramelized Onion Pasta that is simple to prepare. Caramelized onions, garlic, and pasta combine in a silky sauce for a quick weeknight meal that feels gourmet.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound pasta (spaghetti or linguine recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup vegetable broth, plus more if needed
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or cashew cream for vegan)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 25 to 35 minutes until the onions are deep golden brown and sweet. This slow cooking builds the ultimate onion pasta flavor.
  2. Add the minced garlic to the onions and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the white wine or broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer until the liquid is mostly reduced.
  4. While the onions finish, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
  5. Add the 1 cup of vegetable broth and thyme to the onion mixture. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the onions. Toss to combine.
  7. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese (or cashew cream/nutritional yeast). If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, a splash at a time, until you reach a silky, creamy consistency.
  8. Season generously with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley. This easy dinner recipe is ready in under 40 minutes.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, do not rush the onion caramelization process; low and slow heat is key to achieving deep sweetness.
  • If you want a spicy kick, add 1 teaspoon of chili oil along with the cream.
  • This recipe works well as a vegetarian meal, or you can add cooked shredded chicken for a heartier option.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://pureplatepath.com/caramelized-onion-pasta/