Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta is a delicious dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table. The sweet, rich taste of caramelized onions pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be ready in about 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for family or enjoying a quiet dinner by yourself, this pasta dish will satisfy your craving for something hearty and comforting.
How to Make Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta
Ingredients
- Pasta of choice
- Onions
- Olive oil
- Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan)
- Heavy cream (or cashew cream for vegan)
- Chili oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized, about 20-25 minutes.
- Lower the heat, and add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Drizzle with chili oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
How to Serve Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta
Serve Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta warm, straight from the skillet. It pairs well with a side salad or some garlic bread. For added flavor and presentation, sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top just before serving.
How to Store Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta can stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta
- Caramelization: Take your time caramelizing the onions. The longer they cook, the sweeter and more flavorful they become.
- Pasta Choice: Use your favorite pasta type, whether it’s spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne.
- Vegan Option: To keep it vegan, use cashew cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili oil based on your spice preference.
Variation
You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the pasta for extra nutrition and flavor. Alternatively, cooked chicken or shrimp can be included for added protein.
FAQs
1. Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, you can use any cheese that melts well. Goat cheese or cream cheese can be great alternatives.
2. Is this pasta dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It stores well and can be reheated for tasty leftovers.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just choose your favorite gluten-free pasta, and the recipe will work perfectly.

Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta
Equipment
- large pan
- large pot
- colander
Ingredients
Pasta
- 300 g pasta such as fettuccine or spaghetti
Caramelized Onions
- 2 large onions thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar
Sauce
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 0.5 cup dry white wine optional
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 0.75 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated, plus more for serving
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme chopped
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Caramelize Onions
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large pan over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes until deeply golden brown and soft. Stir in sugar during the last 10 minutes to aid caramelization.
Cook Pasta
- While onions are caramelizing, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Make Sauce
- Add minced garlic to the caramelized onions and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in white wine (if using) and deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
Combine and Serve
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh thyme. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately with extra Parmesan.