Caramelized Onion Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the deep, sweet richness of slowly caramelized onions with the comforting familiarity of pasta. As the onions slowly brown and soften, their natural sugars transform into a golden, silky sweetness that infuses the entire dish with a savory depth. When tossed with al dente pasta, the onions coat every strand, creating a luscious, almost velvety sauce. The savory undertones, paired with a hint of richness, make each bite feel like a warm embrace. Simple yet sophisticated, this dish is the perfect balance of sweetness and savory flavors, elevating a humble pasta meal into a cozy, indulgent experience.
Caramelized Onion Pasta
Caramelized Onion Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines sweet, golden-brown onions with pasta for a rich, savory experience. The onions are slowly cooked to bring out their natural sweetness, which pairs beautifully with the pasta, creating a velvety, savory sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 3 large onions, halved and thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup matchstick-cut sun-dried tomatoes
- 1½ tablespoons soy sauce
- 1½ tablespoons chili onion crunch (such as Trader Joe’s®) or more to taste
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley. or as needed for garnish
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, or as needed for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-low heat. Add the onions, stirring to coat them evenly. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the onions caramelize and turn golden brown. If needed, add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to help speed up the caramelization process and keep the onions from drying out. This slow cooking method draws out the natural sugars in the onions, creating a rich, sweet flavor as they soften and develop a deep golden color.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Then, stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, soy sauce, and chili onion crunch, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. This step infuses the dish with aromatic flavors, while the sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy richness and the chili onion crunch gives a touch of heat and texture, enhancing the overall depth of the sauce.
- While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s tender but still firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta, making sure to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. The reserved water will help to adjust the sauce’s consistency, allowing it to better coat the pasta.
- Transfer the cooked pasta to the skillet with the caramelized onions and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter, allowing it to melt into the sauce for added richness. If the mixture seems too dry, gradually add the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. This step ensures the pasta is perfectly coated in the flavorful sauce, creating a smooth and velvety texture.
- Garnish the pasta with freshly chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for a dish that’s vibrant, flavorful, and full of texture. The parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note, while the Parmesan enhances the richness, completing the dish with a perfect balance of flavors.
