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Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta for Easy Weeknight Dinner

Close-up of creamy penne pasta topped generously with dark, rich caramelized onion pasta.
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Make this rich, comforting Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta. Slow-cooked sweet onions create a deep flavor base for a silky sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound pasta (spaghetti or penne recommended)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or cashew cream for vegan option)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan substitute)
  • 1/4 cup pasta water, reserved
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 25 to 35 minutes until the onions are deeply browned, sweet, and jammy. This slow cooking builds the rich flavor.
  2. Add the minced garlic to the onions and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the white wine or broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer until the liquid reduces by half.
  4. While the onions finish, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
  5. Reduce the heat under the skillet to low. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese (or substitute) until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach a silky consistency.
  6. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For a French Onion Pasta flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme with the garlic.
  • If you want a plant-based version, substitute the heavy cream with a homemade cashew cream sauce.
  • Do not rush the onion caramelization; this step is key to achieving the deep, sweet flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyfelix.com/caramelized-onion-pasta-creamy-easy-dinner/