Description
A cozy twist on the classic carbonara, this dish uses deeply caramelized onions to create a rich, velvety pasta experience that’s completely meat-free and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 400g spaghetti
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth or pasta water
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Set a large skillet over medium-low heat to preheat.
- Melt butter and olive oil in the skillet. Add sliced onions with a pinch of salt and cook for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for 1 minute. Deglaze with pasta water or broth.
- Toss in cooked spaghetti, stirring gently to combine.
- Add Parmesan cheese and splash in reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a creamy sauce.
- Finish with a pat of butter, extra cheese, and freshly cracked black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve hot with optional herbs like parsley or sage.
Notes
- Don’t rush the onions—low and slow is key to developing flavor.
- Grate your cheese fresh for the smoothest sauce.
- Reserve more pasta water than you think you need to adjust consistency easily.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Caramelized Onion Spaghetti, vegetarian carbonara, caramelized onion pasta, creamy pasta without bacon