Name: Caramelized Onion Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 4 large onions; ⅓ cup olive oil; ¼ cup chopped sundried tomatoes; 1 Tbsp chili crisp or chili crunch; 1 cup heavy cream; ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 lb linguine or bucatini, cooked al dente; Fresh chopped parsley; Salt and pepper, to taste

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Caramelized onion pasta is a cozy yet impressive dish that’s perfect for weeknights or dinner parties. The sweetness of deeply caramelized onions balances beautifully with the creaminess of heavy cream and parmesan, while sundried tomatoes and chili crisp add tangy and spicy notes. It’s simple to prepare but tastes gourmet, making it a go-to recipe whenever you want something satisfying and flavorful.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 large onions
⅓ cup olive oil
¼ cup chopped sundried tomatoes
1 Tbsp chili crisp or chili crunch
1 cup heavy cream
⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 lb linguine or bucatini, cooked al dente
Fresh chopped parsley
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Cut the onions in half, peel, and thinly slice lengthwise. Place them in a large pot or wide sauté pan. Add olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Heat over medium until onions begin to sizzle. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring every 5–7 minutes, for about 45 minutes, until onions are deeply caramelized and reduced to about 1 ½ cups.
Raise the heat to medium and add chopped sundried tomatoes, chili crisp, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
Stir in the parmesan cheese and reduce the heat back to medium-low.
Simmer the sauce for 3–4 minutes, then add cooked pasta. Toss well to coat.
Cook for 1 more minute in the sauce, then serve topped with extra cheese and fresh parsley.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

Use pecorino romano instead of parmesan for a sharper flavor.
Replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
Stir in spinach or kale at the end for extra greens.
Try different pasta shapes like rigatoni or fettuccine.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce. Freezing is not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can caramelize the onions in advance and store them in the fridge. When ready, prepare the sauce and add pasta for a quicker meal.

What pasta shape works best for this recipe?

Linguine and bucatini are great options, but spaghetti, rigatoni, or tagliatelle also work well.

Can I use a different cheese instead of parmesan?

Yes, pecorino romano, asiago, or gruyere can be used for a different flavor profile.

How do I know when the onions are fully caramelized?

They should be soft, golden brown, and reduced significantly in volume with a sweet, rich aroma.

Is chili crisp necessary?

It adds a nice kick, but you can skip it or substitute with red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder version.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian. Just make sure the cheese you use is suitable for vegetarians.

Can I add protein to this recipe?

Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage make excellent additions.

How can I make this dairy-free?

Use coconut cream or cashew cream in place of heavy cream and a dairy-free parmesan substitute.

Why does it take so long to caramelize onions?

The process draws out the natural sugars slowly, creating a deep, sweet flavor that cannot be rushed.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, just double the ingredients and use a large enough pan to accommodate the onions and pasta.

Conclusion

Caramelized onion pasta is a simple yet luxurious dish that highlights the magic of slow-cooked onions. With its creamy texture, savory-sweet flavor, and customizable variations, it’s a recipe worth adding to your weeknight rotation or serving at your next gathering. This is comfort food at its finest, with just the right touch of elegance.

Lily