Go Back
Caramelized Onion Pasta recipe

Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta

Chef Enzo, an Italian-American cuisine expert from Eat Every Slice, smiling while enjoying a plate of homemade pasta garnished with fresh basil.Enzo R.
A deliciously creamy pasta dish with rich caramelized onions, perfect for winter nights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 520 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large skillet non-stick preferred
  • 1 Large pot for boiling pasta
  • 1 Wooden spoon

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 large sweet onions thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 12 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta

Optional Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Slice the sweet onions thinly. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
  • Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until onions are deeply golden brown, about 30 minutes.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain pasta.
  • Once onions are caramelized, add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in heavy cream and simmer until slightly thickened. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat with the onion mixture.
  • Stir in Parmesan cheese, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving

  • Serve the pasta warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
  • Optional: Top with fresh spinach or crumbled feta cheese before serving.

Storage

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

Notes

Pro Tips: For the best caramelization, be patient and cook the onions slowly over medium heat. Ingredient Substitutions: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option. How to Serve: Pair with a green salad or garlic bread. Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make-Ahead Tips: Caramelize onions in advance and store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Keyword creamy pasta recipe, onion pasta recipe, winter pasta dish