A rich, flavorful, and comforting pasta dish featuring caramelized onions in a creamy sauce. Perfect for a quick yet indulgent meal!
Servings: 2-4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 250g (8 oz) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or thyme/oregano)
- ½ cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for brightness)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Extra parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Toasted breadcrumbs for crunch
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions).
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
- Heat butter (or olive oil) in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until they become golden brown and caramelized.
- Stir in garlic, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- Pour in the broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add heavy cream and stir well. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in parmesan cheese and lemon juice, letting it melt into a smooth sauce.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat.
- If needed, add reserved pasta water little by little to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Garnish & Enjoy!
- Serve hot, topped with extra parmesan and fresh parsley.
- (Optional) Sprinkle with crispy breadcrumbs for extra texture.
Pro Tips
✔ Slow-cook the onions for the best caramelized flavor.
✔ Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
✔ Use fresh parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
✔ For extra protein, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or mushrooms.
Would you like a vegan or spicy variation? Let me know! 😊