Caramelized Onion Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This caramelized onion pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that transforms simple ingredients into a comforting meal. Sweet, deeply caramelized onions combine with creamy sauce and a hint of heat for an unforgettable pasta experience.
Ingredients
- 4 large onions
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup chopped sundried tomatoes
- 1 Tbsp chili crisp or chili crunch
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 lb linguine or bucatini, cooked al dente
- Fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut the onions in half and remove the peel, then thinly slice them lengthwise. Transfer all the sliced onions to a large pot or wide sauté pan. Pour in the olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: Place the pan over medium heat until the onions begin to sizzle. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook, stirring every 5 to 7 minutes, for about 45 minutes. Continue until the onions are deeply caramelized and have reduced to about 1½ cups.
- Step 3: Increase the heat to medium, then add the chopped sundried tomatoes, chili crisp, and heavy cream to the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then stir in the parmesan cheese and reduce heat back to medium low.
- Step 4: Let the cream sauce cook gently for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the cooked pasta and toss well to combine. Cook together for 1 more minute, then serve topped with extra parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder flavor, reduce the chili crisp or omit it entirely. Adding a splash of white wine during the caramelizing process can deepen the flavor.
- Swap the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, or use vegan cream alternatives to make it dairy-free.
- Try adding toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra texture and nuttiness.
Storage
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce, stirring often to prevent sticking.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, this sauce works well with a variety of pasta shapes. Linguine or bucatini are suggested, but spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne are all great alternatives.
How can I caramelize onions faster?
While slow caramelizing brings out the best flavor, you can speed up the process by cooking the onions over medium heat and stirring frequently. Adding a pinch of baking soda can also help, but use it sparingly to avoid altering the taste.
PrintCaramelized Onion Pasta Recipe
This luscious Caramelized Onion Pasta combines deeply caramelized onions with sundried tomatoes, chili crisp, and a creamy parmesan sauce tossed with al dente linguine or bucatini. The result is a rich, flavorful pasta dish with a perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and a touch of heat, garnished with fresh parsley for brightness. Ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet approachable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 large onions
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup chopped sundried tomatoes
- 1 Tbsp chili crisp or chili crunch
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 lb linguine or bucatini, cooked al dente
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Slice and Prepare Onions: Cut the onions in half and remove the peel. Thinly slice all the onions lengthwise and transfer them to a large pot or a wide sauté pan. Pour in ⅓ cup of olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to season the onions.
- Caramelize the Onions: Place the pan over medium heat until the onions begin to sizzle. Then reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking, stirring every 5 to 7 minutes. Allow the onions to caramelize deeply and reduce in volume to about 1 ½ cups. This slow cooking process should take approximately 45 minutes, developing a rich sweet flavor and golden-brown color.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Increase the heat to medium, then add the chopped sundried tomatoes and chili crisp or chili crunch to the caramelized onions. Stir to combine and then pour in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer before adding the grated parmesan cheese. Reduce the heat back to medium-low and cook the cream sauce gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly and melds all the flavors together.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked and drained linguine or bucatini directly into the pan with the cream sauce. Toss the pasta thoroughly in the sauce to coat evenly and let it cook together for an additional minute, allowing the pasta to absorb flavors and the sauce to cling to the noodles.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the pasta and finish with extra parmesan cheese on top, along with a generous sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley to add a fresh herbal note and vibrant color. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- Cook the onions low and slow to ensure they caramelize properly without burning.
- If you can’t find chili crisp, you can substitute with a teaspoon of chili flakes and a drizzle of sesame oil for a similar flavor profile.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melt and flavor in the cream sauce.
- Reserve a little pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
Keywords: Caramelized onion pasta, creamy pasta, linguine recipe, easy pasta dinner, italian cream sauce, sundried tomato pasta, chili crisp pasta
