Caramelized Onion Pasta

I fell in love with this creamy, comforting pasta that pairs deeply sweet caramelized onions with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and melting cheese—or a creamy alternative. It’s hearty and rich, yet feels effortlessly elegant.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore how the onions caramelize slowly in the oven, giving me hands-free prep and maximum flavor. The result is a sauce that clings to pasta like magic. Plus, it’s flexible—whether I use Boursin, cream cheese, or even vegan substitutes, the dish still shines.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 3 yellow onions, thinly sliced

• 1 bulb garlic, top trimmed

• ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes (jarred, chopped)

• ½ tablespoon balsamic glaze

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)

• ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning

• Salt & black pepper to taste

• 200 g (≈7 oz) bow-tie pasta (or similar)

• 30 g Boursin cheese (or ~2 Tbsp cream cheese)

• Optional garnishes: fresh basil, grated Parmesan, chili oil

directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 °F.

2. In a baking dish, toss onions with balsamic glaze, olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Nestle garlic bulb in the center; drizzle the exposed cloves with oil.

3. Cover tightly with foil and bake 60–70 min, stirring every 20 min. Onions should be deeply golden.

4. About 10 min before roast finishes, cook pasta per package, reserving ½ cup pasta water.

5. Remove dish from oven. Squeeze garlic into the onion mixture, discard bulb. Stir in Boursin until creamy.

6. Add hot pasta and a little pasta water, tossing to create a silky sauce. Adjust consistency as needed.

7. Garnish with basil, Parmesan, and chili oil if desired. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

• Yields: 3 bowls

• Prep: ~10 min

• Bake (onions): 60–70 min

• Pasta cook + finish: ~10 min

• Total: ~1 hr 20 min

Variations

• Swap yellow onions for red or shallots.

• Replace sun-dried tomatoes with olives or capers for briny notes.

• Use cream cheese, ricotta, or even vegan/Dairy-free cheese instead of Boursin .

• Add mushrooms, spinach, or cooked chicken/shrimp for extra bulk.

• For gluten-free, use GF pasta.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I add a splash of water or extra cheese and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave to rejuvenate the sauce.

FAQs

How long do onions take to caramelize?

I find that oven roasting takes about 60–70 minutes, stirring every 20 minutes. It’s far less labor-intensive than stovetop methods.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes—I switch Boursin to vegan cheese or omit dairy altogether. Dr. Vegan’s version uses vegan cream cheese and nutritional yeast for a rich, plant-based finish.

What if my sun-dried tomatoes burn?

Some readers suggest adding them later or ensuring the dish is tightly covered with foil to prevent scorching.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely—fusilli, penne, or rigatoni are all great for catching sauce in their crevices.

Is stovetop caramelization possible?

Yes—but it takes patience. Reddit users report 30–45 minutes on low heat for proper caramelization. The oven method frees you up to do other things.

Conclusion

This Caramelized Onion Pasta became a favorite when I wanted a comforting yet impressive dish without constant stove supervision. The slow-roasted onions and garlic—beautifully married with creamy cheese and bright garnishes—never fail to impress. I encourage trying variations like dairy-free versions or additional veggies to make it truly yours. Enjoy every savory, silky bite!

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