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Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta Recipe

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3.9 from 12 reviews

This creamy caramelized onion pasta combines sweet, slow-cooked onions with a rich, velvety sauce made from heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and fresh thyme. The pasta is tossed in this luxurious sauce, finished with a bright note of lemon juice and zest, creating a comforting yet elegant dish perfect for a cozy meal.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 200 grams dried pasta (or 300 grams fresh)

Onions

  • 2 medium onions (about 450 grams total)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • salt to taste

Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2/3 cup heavy cream
  • 50 grams parmesan cheese, very finely grated
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • lemon zest to serve
  • ¼ cup pasta water (reserved)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the onions: Trim both ends off the onions, cut in half lengthways, peel, then slice into ¼-inch thick half circles. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat and cook the onions for 10 minutes until softened. Mix in salt, then lower heat to low and cook for 40 minutes until golden and very soft, stirring often to prevent burning. Add a small splash of water if they become too dry. Set aside when done.
  2. Cook the pasta: Boil pasta in well-salted water, undercooking by 1 minute from package instructions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining the pasta.
  3. Make the sauce: When the pasta has about 5 minutes remaining, return the skillet with onions to medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook gently for 1 minute until fragrant, ensuring garlic does not brown.
  4. Add cream and herbs: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, lowering the heat if necessary so it does not boil. Stir in the chopped thyme.
  5. Incorporate parmesan cheese: Add the parmesan cheese in 2 to 3 additions, stirring well and allowing the cheese to fully melt between each addition until the sauce is smooth.
  6. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta, caramelized onions, lemon juice, and ¼ cup reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss everything well to combine.
  7. Finish cooking and thicken sauce: Let the mixture gently bubble over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes so the pasta finishes cooking and the sauce thickens, adding more pasta water as needed to keep the sauce saucy.
  8. Season and serve: Check seasoning and serve immediately, garnished with extra grated parmesan and lemon zest as desired.

Notes

  • Stir onions frequently during caramelization to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
  • Adding small splashes of water helps prevent onions from drying out while slow-cooking.
  • Under cooking pasta slightly before finishing in the sauce helps achieve perfect texture.
  • Gently simmer cream and avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
  • Add parmesan gradually to ensure smooth melting and avoid clumping.
  • If sauce becomes too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time.
  • Fresh thyme can be substituted with dried thyme but use about one-third of the amount.
  • Optional red pepper flakes add a mild heat, omit if preferred.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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