If you’re craving a cozy, flavor-packed pasta dish, this Caramelized Onion Pasta from Jo Cooks is your answer. This recipe transforms simple ingredients like red onions, spaghetti, and heavy cream into a restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With sweet, caramelized onions and a luscious cream sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Follow along for the step-by-step recipe, tips, and tricks to make it your own!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Caramelized Onion Pasta
- Rich, Sweet Flavors: Caramelized red onions add a deep, sweet complexity.
- Creamy Comfort: The heavy cream and Parmesan create a velvety sauce.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples for an easy yet impressive dish.
- Versatile: Perfect for vegetarians or customizable with protein additions.
Ingredients for Caramelized Onion Pasta
This recipe serves approximately 4 people. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 12 oz spaghetti (or pasta of choice, like fettuccine or penne)
- 2 large red onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp sugar ( Packing a punch with flavor and nutrition, spinach is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads and smoothies to hearty main courses and delectable sides.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create a mouthwatering caramelized onion pasta:
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. - Caramelize the Onions
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Add the sliced red onions and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until the onions are soft, golden, and caramelized. Be patient, this step builds the dish’s signature flavor. - Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. - Make the Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. - Combine
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. - Serve
Divide the pasta among plates, garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, and enjoy immediately.
Tips for the Best Caramelized Onion Pasta
- Low and Slow: Caramelizing onions takes time. Keep the heat low to avoid burning and stir occasionally for even cooking.
- Customize It: Add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta for extra heartiness.
- Make It Vegetarian: This dish is naturally vegetarian, but you can swap heavy cream for a plant-based alternative like coconut cream for a vegan version (note: this may alter the flavor).
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or water to revive the sauce.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This caramelized onion pasta recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication. The sweet, jammy onions paired with a creamy, cheesy sauce elevate a basic pasta dish into something truly special. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing guests, this dish delivers on flavor and comfort.
Pairing Suggestions
- Wine: Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir to complement the creamy sauce.
- Sides: Serve with a fresh green salad or garlic bread to soak up the sauce.
- Dessert: Finish the meal with a light dessert like lemon sorbet or a fruit tart.
Frequently Asked Questions About Caramelized Onion Pasta
Can I use yellow onions instead of red onions?
Yes, yellow onions work well, though they may be slightly less sweet. The caramelization process will still yield great flavor.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use your favorite gluten-free pasta, such as rice or quinoa-based varieties, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I freeze this pasta?
Cream-based sauces can separate when frozen, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days. If freezing, reheat slowly and add fresh cream to restore the texture.
Try This Caramelized Onion Pasta Today!
This creamy caramelized onion pasta is a must-try for pasta lovers and comfort food enthusiasts alike. With its rich flavors and straightforward preparation, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Share your creations with us in the comments below or tag us on social media!
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Caramelized Onion Pasta: A Creamy, Comforting Recipe to Savor
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish that wraps you in rich, garlicky goodness. Tender chicken strips are seared to golden perfection and tossed with al dente linguine in a velvety Parmesan sauce. The dish bursts with savory flavors, balanced by a hint of Italian herbs and a touch of heat from optional red pepper flakes. Inspired by my mom’s hearty home cooking, which I recreated after moving abroad at 17, this recipe is a love letter to comfort food. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
12 oz linguine (or penne, farfalle, or gluten-free pasta)
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into ½-inch strips
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp paprika
1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
¼ cup reserved pasta water
Salt, to taste (about ½ tsp)
Black pepper, to taste (about ¼ tsp)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: ¼ tsp red pepper flakes for spice
Instructions
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes (check package instructions). Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Season the Chicken: Pat chicken strips dry with paper towels. Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese, whisking until melted and smooth, about 2 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, 1 tbsp at a time, to reach desired consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Combine: Return chicken to the skillet. Add cooked linguine and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes to heat through.
Serve: Divide pasta among plates. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately with a side salad or garlic bread.
Notes
Golden Chicken: Use a stainless steel skillet for a crisp, golden crust on the chicken, as stainless steel promotes better browning than nonstick.
Substitutions: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce (note: sauce may be less rich). Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free diet or zucchini noodles for low-carb.
Variations: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or water to revive the sauce.
Make Ahead: Prep the chicken and sauce up to a day in advance. Store separately in the fridge, then combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve
Slow-Cooker Option: For a hands-off method, place seasoned chicken, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and ½ cup chicken broth in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Shred chicken, stir in cooked pasta, cream, and Parmesan, and cook on high for 10 minutes. Garnish and serve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (approx. ¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg