Caramelized Onion & Roasted Garlic Pasta Recipe
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
A delightful and rich dish with the savory sweetness of caramelized onions and the deep, aromatic flavor of roasted garlic, this Caramelized Onion & Roasted Garlic Pasta is perfect for a cozy, weeknight dinner. Creamy, cheesy, and aromatic, itโs a simple yet satisfying meal that will transport you straight to Italy with every bite.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spirali pasta | 200 grams |
| Onion | 1 large |
| Garlic cloves | 8 cloves |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Whole black peppercorns | 1/2 teaspoon, freshly crushed |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh cream | 4 tablespoons |
| Mozzarella cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Cheddar cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Dry basil leaves | 1/2 teaspoon, crushed |
Instructions
-
Boil the Pasta
Begin by boiling the spirali pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions. Once cooked al dente, strain the pasta and set aside in a colander to drain. -
Caramelize the Onions
While the pasta cooks, peel and chop the onion. Heat a little olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and add the chopped onions. Sautรฉ the onions, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and become caramelized. This process usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, remove the onions from the pan and set them aside. -
Roast the Garlic
In the same pan, place the garlic cloves (without peeling them) and roast them over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the cloves become slightly browned and fragrant, being careful not to burn them. Once roasted, remove them from the pan and set them aside to cool. Once cool, peel the garlic and mash it into a paste. -
Whisk the Fresh Cream
In a small bowl, whisk the fresh cream until soft peaks start to form. Set this aside for later. -
Combine Ingredients in a Wok
Heat the olive oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add the caramelized onions (save a little to garnish the dish later), followed by the boiled pasta. Toss them together, allowing the flavors to combine and the pasta to heat through. -
Add the Cream and Seasonings
Next, pour in the whisked fresh cream and stir until itโs evenly mixed with the pasta and onions. Season the pasta with salt, freshly crushed black pepper, and crushed dry basil leaves. Stir to incorporate all the seasonings. -
Cheese Time
Now itโs time for the cheese! Add both the mozzarella and cheddar cheese, stirring gently until the cheeses melt and coat the pasta. You can add more cheese if you prefer it extra cheesy. -
Serve and Garnish
Serve the Caramelized Onion & Roasted Garlic Pasta immediately, garnished with the reserved caramelized onions and perhaps an extra sprinkle of cheese. Pair it with a refreshing glass of white wine and some fresh cut fruits for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
For a complete Italian-inspired meal, serve this Caramelized Onion & Roasted Garlic Pasta with a side of Pizza Margherita and a glass of Cinnamon Spiced Orange Iced Tea. The fresh, herbaceous flavors of the pizza and the refreshing iced tea will complement the rich and creamy pasta beautifully. This is a delightful combination perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner with family or friends.
This recipe brings out the best of simple ingredients, transforming them into a dish full of flavor and texture. The sweet caramelized onions and the roasted garlic create a savory base for the creamy pasta, while the mozzarella and cheddar bring the dish to the next level with their melt-in-your-mouth richness. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this pasta will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection.
