Creamy Onion Pasta Recipe

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

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions).
  2. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

  1. Heat butter (or olive oil) in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
  2. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until they become golden brown and caramelized.
  3. 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

  1. Pour in the broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
  2. Add heavy cream and stir well. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  3. Stir in parmesan cheese and lemon juice, letting it melt into a smooth sauce.

Step 4: Combine & Serve

  1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat.
  2. If needed, add reserved pasta water little by little to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
  3. 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! 😊

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