This Caramelized Onion Pasta features sweet, oven-caramelized onions, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil in a creamy sauce. Enjoy the rich, even caramelization with minimal effort, making it perfect for any night of the week.

😍Why You’ll Love It

You'll love this caramelized onion pasta because it's the perfect blend of rich, sweet caramelized onions, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil, all wrapped in a creamy, savory sauce. It's incredibly easy to make, yet tastes gourmet. Plus, the combination of textures and flavors will leave you craving more with every bite!

Be sure to check out our other mouthwatering pasta dishes! Try the rich and flavorful Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, Boursin Cheese Pasta, and the zesty and refreshing Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta.

✅You'll Need

Onions: Swap in yellow or Vidalia onions for a similar sweet flavor. Skip the red onions for this one.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If you’re out of sun-dried tomatoes, try using fresh cherry tomatoes for a juicy twist or roasted red peppers for a smoky, sweet alternative.
Garlic: Roasted garlic brings a mellow, rich flavor that’s worth the time.
Olive Oil: Essential for that perfect caramelization. Use vegetable or avocado oil. For extra flavor, try butter or a mix of butter and olive oil.
Balsamic Glaze: Regular balsamic vinegar works too. Or get creative with red wine vinegar or a splash of soy sauce.
Pasta: Short pasta shapes like farfalle, penne, or fusilli are perfect for this creamy dish.
Cream Cheese or Mascarpone: Heavy cream, half-and-half, or Greek yogurt can step in. Dairy-free? Go with coconut cream or a vegan cream cheese.
Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are great alternatives. For a vegan option, try nutritional yeast.
Fresh Basil: Fresh parsley, thyme, or oregano are great too. If you only have dried herbs, use less since they’re more potent.

🔪How to Make Caramelized Onion Pasta

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

In a large casserole dish, combine sliced onions, diced sun-dried tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Toss to mix.

Place a whole garlic head in the center of the dish. Drizzle with olive oil (or sun-dried tomato oil) and balsamic glaze. Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour, tossing halfway. The onions should be caramelized.

Near the end of baking, cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, reserving 1-2 cups of pasta water. Squeeze roasted garlic into the baking dish, mash, then add mascarpone and a splash of pasta water, stirring until combined.

Add cooked pasta to the dish and mix well.

Stir in grated Parmesan and fresh basil, adding pasta water if needed to thin the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with extra Parmesan if desired.

👨‍🍳Expert Tips

Use the Oven: Caramelizing onions in the oven allows for even cooking and frees up your stovetop, making it a hands-off method that results in rich, sweet, and perfectly caramelized onions with minimal effort.
Stir Occasionally: Stir the onions occasionally while caramelizing to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking or burning.
Reserve Pasta Water: Always save 1-2 cups of pasta water before draining. It helps in adjusting the consistency of the sauce and adds extra flavor.
Combine Well: Ensure the mascarpone or cream cheese melts completely and blends with the pasta water to make a creamy sauce.

🗄️Storage and Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, simply place the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, covering the pasta and heating in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until warm.

If you make this recipe be sure to leave a comment or give this recipe a rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐! I will be happy to hear from you!

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