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Caramelized Onion Pasta Recipe

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4.2 from 14 reviews

Caramelized Onion Pasta is a rich and flavorful American dish featuring sweet, golden caramelized onions tossed with creamy Parmesan sauce and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta. This comforting and easy-to-make meal combines the deep sweetness of slowly caramelized onions with a luscious cream sauce, enhanced by garlic, thyme, and Parmesan cheese, making it ideal for a cozy lunch or dinner.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 12 ounces bowtie pasta or any other small pasta

Caramelized Onions

  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon sugar

Sauce

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup vegetable broth
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Caramelize Onions: In a large 12″ skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted. Add the thinly sliced onions and sprinkle with sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes until onions are golden brown and caramelized. If onions stick, add a splash of water or broth to deglaze the pan.
  2. Cook Pasta: While onions caramelize, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain pasta and set aside.
  3. Add Garlic and Simmer Sauce: Add minced garlic to the skillet with caramelized onions and cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Incorporate Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and dried thyme. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add cooked pasta into the skillet and toss to evenly coat noodles with sauce. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Caramelize onions slowly over medium heat for the best sweet flavor development.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother, creamier sauce.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of cream or broth to maintain creaminess.
  • Feel free to substitute with your favorite pasta shape or add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

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