Savor the sweet allure of caramelized onions twirled in rich, creamy caramelised onion pasta
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What is Caramelised Onion Pasta?
Caramelized Onion Pasta is a delightful dish featuring the deep, sweet flavors of caramelized onions mixed with pasta. This Italian classic is easy to make and incredibly satisfying. You slowly caramelize onions, then combine them with pasta and other ingredients for a rich and comforting meal.
Ingredients
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds a rich, fruity flavor and helps to sauté the onions.
- Unsalted butter: Provides a creamy, rich texture, balancing the sweetness of the caramelized onions.
- Onion thinly sliced: The star of the dish, bringing sweet and savory flavors when caramelized.
- Garlic cloves, thinly sliced: Adds a delightful aromatic touch, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Tablespoon of chili oil: Gives a slight kick, balancing the sweetness with a hint of heat.
- Shrimps: Optional, but they add a lovely seafood twist, making it a hearty meal.
- Heavy cream: Creates a creamy sauce, blending all the flavors beautifully.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor, making the dish richer.
- Parsley: Freshens up the dish with a burst of color and a light, herbal note.
- Pasta: The base of the dish, it absorbs all the delicious flavors.
- Salt to taste: Enhances all the other flavors, bringing the dish together.
Steps
- Heat a pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and melt the butter in a pan.
- Add the thinly sliced onions and cook over medium-low heat for 30 minutes. Stir every minute until it is caramelized. Set aside.
- Cook the pasta in hot boiling water until al dente for 10 minutes. Set 1 cup of pasta water on the side.
- In the same pan, add the chili oil, garlic, and shrimp. Cook until the shrimp is 90% cooked.
- Then, add heavy cream followed by caramelized onions and stir to combine.
- Add the pasta along with Parmesan cheese and ½ cup of pasta water (adjust the consistency of the sauce to your liking). Stir to combine.
- Next, add chopped parsley and give it a final mix.
- Serve in a bowl, grate more Parmesan cheese, garnish with chives and more chili oil. Enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
How to Prevent Onions from Burning
Caramelising onions takes patience. Keep the heat low and stir often. Use a mix of extra-virgin olive oil and unsalted butter to keep them from sticking. If they start to brown too fast, add a splash of water.
Choosing the Right Type of Pasta
Choose pasta that holds sauce well, like penne or rigatoni. These types have ridges that grip the creamy sauce and caramelized onions perfectly. If you're in a pinch, spaghetti works too.
Suggested Protein Additions
Adding protein can make this dish even more satisfying. Shrimps are a great choice, but you can also try sautéed garlic, seared salmon, or even crispy salmon. These additions blend beautifully with the rich cream sauce and caramelized onions.
Serving Caramelised Onion Pasta
Best Ways to Serve and Garnish
- Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: A generous sprinkle adds a salty, nutty flavor.
- Sautéed Garlic: Adds a delicious aroma and enhances the flavor.
- Lemon Zest: A touch of lemon zest brightens the dish with a zesty kick.
- Fresh Spinach: Toss in some fresh spinach for a pop of color and extra nutrients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of pasta should I use?
You can use penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti. Penne and rigatoni are great because they hold the sauce well. Spaghetti works too if that's what you have on hand.
How do I prevent the onions from burning?
Keep the heat low and stir the onions often. Use extra-virgin olive oil and unsalted butter to prevent sticking. If they brown too quickly, add a splash of water.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes! Adding protein makes it even more delicious. Try shrimps, seared salmon, or crispy salmon. These blend well with the rich, creamy sauce and caramelized onions.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of heavy cream sauce or water to keep it creamy.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Use a vegan butter substitute and a plant-based cream. Skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative. The caramelized onions will still bring loads of flavor.
PrintCaramelised Onion Pasta
Savor the sweet allure of caramelised onions twirled in rich, creamy pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp of chili oil
- 10 shrimps
- ½ cup of heavy cream
- ½ cup of parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ cup of parsley, finely chopped
- 200g of pasta
- 1 tsp of salt - to taste
Instructions
- Heat a pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and melt the butter in a pan.
- Add the thinly sliced onions and cook over medium-low heat for 30 minutes. Stir every minute until it is caramelized. Set aside.
- Cook the pasta in hot boiling water until al dente for 10 minutes. Set 1 cup of pasta water on the side.
- In the same pan, add the chili oil, garlic and shrimp. Cook until the shrimp is 90% cooked.
- Then, add heavy creamy followed by caramelized onions and stir to combine.
- Add the pasta along with parmesan cheese and ½ cup of pasta water ( adjust the consistency of the sauce to your liking). Stir to combine.
- Next, add chopped parsley and give it a final mix.
- Serve in a bowl, grate more parmesan cheese, garnish with chives and more chili oil. Enjoy!
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