Print

Ultimate Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

A close-up of creamy caramelized onion pasta served in a white bowl, topped with extra onions and thyme.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This recipe delivers the rich, deep flavor of slow-cooked caramelized onions in a velvety, comforting sauce. It is an easy weeknight pasta that feels gourmet.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound pasta (spaghetti or linguine recommended)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for vegan option)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or 1/4 cup nutritional yeast for vegan option)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Optional: Chili oil for serving

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 skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cook slowly, stirring every 5-7 minutes, for 25 to 35 minutes until the onions are deeply golden brown and sweet. Do not rush this step; slow cooking builds the rich onion flavor.
  3. Reduce the heat to low. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the white wine or vegetable broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer until the liquid is almost gone, about 2 minutes.
  5. Add the 1 cup of vegetable broth to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast). Stir constantly until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, a splash at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
  7. Add the cooked pasta, remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, black pepper, and fresh thyme to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the rich onion sauce.
  8. Serve immediately. Drizzle with chili oil if you want a spicy kick.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, use sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla.
  • If you are making the vegan caramelized onion pasta, ensure your nutritional yeast is fresh for the best cheesy flavor.
  • This recipe works well as a one pot pasta recipe if you cook the pasta directly in the broth mixture, adding more liquid as needed.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://gourmetgaze.com/caramelized-onion-pasta-recipe-creamy-onion-pasta/