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The Ultimate Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta

A fork lifting a generous portion of creamy caramelized onion pasta, garnished with fresh thyme.
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This recipe delivers the deep, sweet flavor of slow-cooked onions in a rich, creamy sauce. It is comfort food ready for your weeknight table.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound pasta (like spaghetti or linguine)
  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 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 (omit for vegan)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
  • Chili oil, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. Set the drained pasta aside.
  2. In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and 1 teaspoon of salt.
  3. Cook the onions slowly, stirring every 5 to 7 minutes. This process takes patience; cook for 30 to 40 minutes until the onions are deeply golden brown, soft, and sweet. Do not rush this step to achieve true caramelization.
  4. Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the white wine or broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let this simmer until the liquid is mostly reduced, about 2 minutes.
  6. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese (if using), and thyme leaves (if using). Stir until the sauce is smooth and heated through. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
  7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. If needed, add more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, to reach your desired consistency.
  8. Stir in the balsamic vinegar (if using) for a touch of tang. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  9. Serve immediately. Top each bowl with an optional drizzle of chili oil for a spicy kick.

Notes

  • Caramelizing onions is the key to this dish; low and slow heat prevents burning and develops natural sweetness.
  • For a richer flavor, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, or use full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
  • If you want a French Onion Soup inspired flavor, add 1/2 cup of beef broth instead of wine/broth and top with melted Gruyère cheese instead of just Parmesan.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://daisyrecipe.com/caramelized-onion-pasta-creamy-comfort-dish/