Description
A comforting Italian pasta dish featuring slow-caramelized onions, rich Parmesan cheese, and a silky sauce that perfectly coats spaghetti or fettuccine. This simple yet flavorful recipe transforms basic ingredients into a satisfying dinner that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine
- Salt, for pasta water
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream or reserved pasta cooking water
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Caramelize Onions: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 25 to 30 minutes until they become deeply golden and caramelized.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Create the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream or a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and combine well with the onions and garlic.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat every strand with the rich onion sauce.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Stir in the finely grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, creating a glossy, creamy texture.
- Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Patience is key for properly caramelized onions; cook them low and slow to develop deep flavor.
- For extra flavor, add fresh thyme or chopped parsley while caramelizing onions or as a garnish.
- Using reserved pasta water instead of cream makes the dish lighter while still creamy.
- Grate Parmesan fresh for best melting and flavor.
- Serve immediately as the sauce thickens upon standing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Boiling and Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
