Slow Cooker Caramelized Onions Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Caramelized Onions Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that transforms simple ingredients into a rich, savory meal. The slow-cooked onions develop a deep sweetness and pair beautifully with herbs and Parmesan for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/4 cup dry white wine or vegetable broth
• 1 pound of your favorite pasta (such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Thinly slice the yellow onions. This may take a few minutes but ensures even caramelization.
2. Step 2: Place the sliced onions in your slow cooker and add olive oil or butter, salt, and optional sugar. Stir everything together.
3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn a deep golden brown and caramelize fully.
4. Step 4: About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, add the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and white wine or vegetable broth. Stir to combine and continue cooking until fragrant and well blended.
5. Step 5: While the onions finish cooking, prepare the pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve one cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
6. Step 6: Mix the caramelized onions with the drained pasta. Add reserved pasta water as needed to create a smooth, silky sauce.
7. Step 7: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
8. Step 8: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately for best flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, use unsalted butter instead of olive oil when caramelizing the onions.
• If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute white wine with vegetable broth to keep the sauce flavorful.
• Add a splash of balsamic vinegar in the last 30 minutes of cooking for a tangy depth.
• Try topping with toasted pine nuts or walnuts for added crunch and texture.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid reheating in the microwave to preserve texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I caramelize onions faster in the slow cooker?

Caramelizing onions is a slow process to develop their full sweetness and flavor. Using the low setting on the slow cooker for 8-10 hours is ideal. Increasing the temperature may cook the onions unevenly or cause them to burn.

What pasta works best with caramelized onions?

Long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine works well because the silky onion sauce clings nicely. However, short pasta like penne or rigatoni also pairs beautifully, holding the sauce in their ridges or tubes.

Slow Cooker Caramelized Onions Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 132 reviews

This Slow Cooker Caramelized Onions Pasta recipe transforms humble onions into a rich, deeply flavored sauce with minimal hands-on time. Slow-cooked to a sweet, golden perfection, the onions develop an irresistible taste enhanced by garlic, herbs, and a splash of white wine. Tossed with your favorite pasta and finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, this comforting dish is perfect for an easy weekday dinner or a cozy gathering.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 8 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Caramelized Onions

• 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/4 cup dry white wine or vegetable broth

Pasta and Garnish

• 1 pound of your favorite pasta (such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Onions: Begin by thinly slicing your onions. This might take a little time, but the effort is well worth it for even caramelization.
2. Start Slow Cooking: Add the sliced onions to your slow cooker, then pour in the olive oil or butter, sprinkle the salt, and add the optional sugar if you want extra sweetness. Stir to combine everything evenly.
3. Cook Onions Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours, stirring occasionally. The onions should become deeply golden and develop rich caramelization.
4. Flavor Infusion: About 30 minutes before the onions finish cooking, add minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and the white wine or vegetable broth. Stir well and continue cooking to let the mixture become aromatic and harmonized.
5. Cook the Pasta: While the onions caramelize, cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions. Remember to reserve one cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta.
6. Combine Pasta and Onion Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta with the caramelized onions mixture, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a silky, cohesive sauce that clings to the noodles.
7. Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, then season with additional salt and pepper to your liking.
8. Garnish and Serve: Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately to enjoy the full depth of flavor.

Notes

• Using sugar during caramelization is optional but helps enhance the natural sweetness of the onions.
• You can substitute white wine with vegetable broth to keep the recipe alcohol-free.
• For a richer flavor, use unsalted butter instead of olive oil.
• Make sure to stir occasionally during caramelization to prevent the onions from sticking or burning.
• If you prefer vegan, substitute Parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast.

Keywords: slow cooker caramelized onions pasta, caramelized onion pasta, slow cooker pasta recipe, comfort pasta dish, Italian slow cooker recipe