Caramelized Onion Pasta

A white bowl filled with pasta topped with caramelized onions, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves. A small dish with grated cheese is in the background, along with basil sprigs on a light surface.

4.86 from 7 votes

This is a genius recipe because the onions are caramelized in the oven: a hands-free technique with the same creamy, flavor-rich, melt-in-your-mouth results.

Prep Time10

Cook Time1 10

Total Time1 20

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Keyword: caramelized onion pasta, easy one pan pasta, pasta bake

Servings: bowls

Author: The Modern Nonna

Equipment

Ingredients

3 yellow onions sliced into rings
½ tablespoon balsamic glaze
1 tablespoon olive oil plus more for drizzling
⅓ cup sun dried tomatoes (jarred variety, packed in oil and/or water)
½ tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 bulb garlic top cut off
200 grams bow tie pasta
¼ package Boursin Cheese (30 grams)
fresh basil for garnish (optional)
parmigiano cheese for garnish (optional)
chili oil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400F.
To a large baking dish (at least 9x9), add the sliced onions, balsamic glaze, olive oil, sun dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Mix well. Place the prepped garlic in the center of the dish. Drizzle the exposed garlic cloves with olive oil. Cover the dish tightly with foil.
Bake for 60 to 70 minutes or until the onions have caramelized. I like to stir the onions 2 to 3 times throughout the baking time.
About 10 minutes before the onions have finished baking, start on boiling the pasta as per the package instructions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
Remove the onion mixture from the oven. Using a kitchen towel to protect your hands, squeeze the garlic from the peel, directly onto the onion mixture. Add the Boursin cheese and stir to combine. Add in the hot pasta and a touch of the starchy pasta water, if needed.
Toss well and feel free to garnish with basil, parmigiano, and chili oil, if desired. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

Substitutions: Instead of yellow onions, substitute shallots or red onions. Feel free to swap sun dried tomatoes for fresh tomatoes. Try olives or capers for a nice briny saltiness.

Kick It Up a Notch: For a kick of heat, try garnishing with your favorite chili oil.

Garnishes: In case you don't have basil, you can also try minced parsley as a garnish.

Nutrition