Caramelized Onion Pasta – Rich, Creamy and Delicious
If simple flavors are your jam, this caramelized onion pasta is for you! The slow-cooked onions add a rich flavor, and when paired with juicy cherry tomatoes and crispy homemade bread crumbs, it becomes next-level delicious. If you’ve been searching for the perfect caramelized onion recipe to elevate your pasta game, this one delivers big on flavor with minimal effort! The parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup of cream adds depth— balancing the natural sweetness of the caramelized onions and the acidity of the cherry tomatoes to create a silky, restaurant-worthy sauce. Trust me, this cherry tomato pasta is about to become your new best friend.
How to Caramelize Onions for the Best Flavor
If you’ve got a sharp knife, a pot, and some free time, you’ve got all you need to make perfect caramelized onions. They add a deep sweetness that transform a simple dish into something super special.
Keep Stirring: You don’t want burnt onions! Keep them moving, stir, stir, stir. This process takes patience—also don’t rush this step.
Slice Your Onions: The sharper your knife, the less your eyes will water—trust me on this. If you’ve got a mandolin, even better! Slice them fairly thin so they cook down faster.
Cook on Low Heat: Add a good knob of butter and olive oil to a pot over medium – high heat. Toss in your onions and let them cook down slowly. Onions have a ton of natural sugar, and slow cooking helps develop that caramelized sweetness without burning. This will take your caramelized onion pasta to a whole new world of awesome.
What Onions Caramelize the Best?
For caramelized onion recipes, yellow onions are the best choice. They have the right balance of sweetness and depth that creates the best result. For a more delicate flavor, shallots are another great option!
For a stronger, smoky sweetness, red onions are a good choice. However, they don’t caramelize as evenly as yellow onions. White onions are a bit sharper and less sweet, so they take longer to break down and may need a touch of sugar to balance the flavor.
Sweet varieties like Vidalia caramelize well because they have a lot of natural sugar. This makes them a great choice for rich, buttery dishes.
Homemade Bread Crumbs for That Extra Crunch
I love adding bread crumbs to my cherry tomato pasta. It’s a simple way to add some crunch and toasty flavor. And for this caramelized onion pasta recipe— it adds balance and depth. Here’s how you make them at home:
- Grab a few slices of white bread.
- Chop them up as finely as possible, making sure the pieces are uniform so they toast evenly.
- Heat a frying pan over medium heat, add 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil, and toss in your bread crumbs.
- Stir frequently to prevent burning and fry until golden brown. Remove and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
These crispy bread crumbs add incredible texture to your caramelized onion pasta!
Other Pasta Variations to Try
If you love this caramelized onion pasta, here are some other ways to switch things up!
- Creamy Mushroom Pasta – Swap out the cherry tomatoes for mushrooms and add a little extra cream for a richer sauce.
- Chicken Pasta – Add grilled or shredded chicken for extra protein.
- Curry Pasta Salad – If you’re craving something fresh and vibrant, try this with a curried yogurt dressing instead of the creamy sauce.
Final Thoughts
This caramelized onion pasta is all about layering flavors. It has slow-cooked onions, sweet cherry tomatoes, crunchy bread crumbs, and a creamy finish. An easy pasta recipe that feels gourmet but comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients.
One of the best things about this cherry tomato pasta dish is its versatility. You can replace cherry tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes for a sweeter taste. And feel free to swap out the rigatoni for gluten free pasta if that’s your thing.
You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar for more flavor. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes goes a long way. Pair it with a crisp white wine or some warm, crusty bread to make it a full meal.
If you want a simple caramelized onion recipe, you’re in the right place! Give this one a try and tell me what you think!
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Ingredients:
- 500g Rigatoni
- 1000 ml Beef Stock
- 3 Yellow Onions Sliced
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved
- 3 tbsp Butter
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 cup Cream
- 2 slices White Bread
- 1/2 cup Parsley Chopped
- 1/4 cup Parmesan (plus more for garnishing) Grated
Instructions:
- Start by thinly slicing three large Spanish onions. Place 2 tbsp of butter into a Dutch oven or large pot and melt on medium heat. Once melted, add in your onions and slowly sauté until they start to caramelise, about 25-30 minutes.
- Once the onions have caramelised, add in 1 tbsp of butter and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and cook down until soft. Season with 1 tsp of salt and pepper.
- Add your beef stock and water to the onion and tomatoes, mix well, and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, add in 500g or 1 bag of rigatoni noodles. Let that bubble away until the noodles are al dente, about 10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, finely dice 2 slices of white bread. Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add in 1 tbsp of olive oil. Once heated, add in your hand-chopped bread crumbs and toast until golden brown, 4-5 minutes. Make sure to stir often. Once toasted, remove from the pan and place on a plate lined with paper towel. Set aside.
- Once your pasta is cooked, add in ½ cup of cream and stir. Season with black pepper, salt, and freshly grated Parmesan (about ¼ cup). Let your sauce reduce slightly on medium heat.
- Serve with lots of bread crumbs, black pepper, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley.
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