Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors with simple ingredients. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner at home. The sweetness of the caramelized onions blends beautifully with the creaminess of the sauce, resulting in a comforting and satisfying meal. Plus, it can easily be made vegan by swapping a few ingredients!
How to Make Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta
Ingredients
- Pasta of choice
- 2 large onions
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for vegan option
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan option)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chili oil (to taste)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast). Mix until well combined and heated through.
- Season with salt, pepper, and chili oil to taste.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy onion sauce until well coated.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.
How to Serve Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta
Serve Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta hot, topped with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta
To store the pasta, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat or microwave it until heated through.
Tips to Make Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta
- For maximum flavor, take your time to caramelize the onions slowly. Stir them occasionally for even cooking.
- If you want extra creaminess, try adding more cream or coconut milk after mixing in the cheese.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to make the dish even heartier.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding proteins such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a boost in nutrition. Swapping in different types of pasta, like whole wheat or gluten-free options, can also change things up.
FAQs
- Can I use any type of pasta?
- Yes, you can use any pasta you like, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne.
- Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
- Yes, simply use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese.
- How do I make the onions caramelized faster?
- Cook them on medium-high heat, but be careful not to burn them. Stir frequently and use a pinch of sugar to help with caramelization if desired.
Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful pasta dish that combines rich, caramelized onion flavors with a creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- Pasta of choice
- 2 large onions
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (for vegan option)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan option)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chili oil (to taste)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast). Mix until well combined and heated through.
- Season with salt, pepper, and chili oil to taste.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy onion sauce until well coated.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
For maximum flavor, take your time to caramelize the onions slowly and consider adding spinach or mushrooms for a heartier dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg