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Caramelized Onion Balsamic Pasta with Cream and Parmesan Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 0h 10m
  • Cook Time: 0h 30m
  • Total Time: 0h 40m
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A rich and flavorful caramel onion pasta featuring sweet, slow-cooked onions in a balsamic and cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This comforting dish combines the deep sweetness of caramelized onions with the tangy balsamic vinegar and creamy Parmesan for a satisfying and elegant meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Caramelized Onions:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 medium onions
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Pasta:

  • 8 ounces pasta
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the onions.
  2. Slice onions: Peel the onions and thinly slice them into rings or half-rings for even caramelization.
  3. Cook onions to soften: Add the sliced onions to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
  4. Add sugar: Sprinkle sugar over the onions and stir to help enhance the caramelization process.
  5. Caramelize onions: Continue cooking the onions for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they develop a deep golden brown color and rich flavor.
  6. Deglaze with balsamic vinegar: Pour in the balsamic vinegar and stir to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, intensifying flavor.
  7. Season and simmer: Season with salt and black pepper, then let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  8. Boil water for pasta: While onions simmer, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil to cook the pasta.
  9. Cook pasta: Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  10. Drain pasta: Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for adjusting sauce consistency.
  11. Add butter to skillet: Stir the butter into the caramelized onions until it melts and blends evenly.
  12. Add heavy cream: Pour in the heavy cream and simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  13. Toss pasta with sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat each strand with the creamy caramel onion sauce.
  14. Adjust sauce consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  15. Add Parmesan cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan until melted and fully integrated into the sauce.
  16. Season to taste: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed for perfect flavor balance.
  17. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired, to enjoy the dish at its best.

Notes

  • Use yellow or sweet onions for the best caramelization and balanced sweetness.
  • Be patient when caramelizing onions; low and slow cooking delivers the richest flavor.
  • Reserve pasta water as the starch helps to bind and loosen the sauce if needed.
  • For a vegetarian option, ensure Parmesan cheese is made without animal rennet.
  • This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

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Find it online: https://freshandtastyrecipes.com/caramelized-onion-balsamic-pasta-with-cream-and-parmesan-recipe/