Indulge in a culinary experience that marries the rich, aromatic flavors of Italian cuisine with the comforting allure of creamy pasta. Our "Creamy Pesto Pasta with Caramelized Onions" is not just a dish; it's a celebration of taste that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy! Imagine twirling perfectly cooked pasta in a luscious, vibrant pesto cream sauce, complemented by sweet, caramelized onions that add a depth of flavor you never knew you needed. Ready to impress your family or elevate your weeknight dinner? Read on to discover how to whip up this delightful dish in just 40 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup pesto
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients: slice the onions thinly and evenly, ensuring uniform caramelization. Set aside.
- Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. This will be used for cooking the pasta.
- While waiting for the water to boil, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Caramelize the onions for approximately 15-20 minutes, reducing heat if they start to brown too quickly. The goal is a deep golden-brown color and sweet, soft texture.
- Once water is boiling, add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- When onions are caramelized, reduce heat to low and add heavy cream, stirring gently to combine and create a rich base.
- Add pesto to the skillet with caramelized onions and cream, stirring to create a smooth, cohesive sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
- Drain pasta and immediately add to the skillet, tossing to coat thoroughly with the pesto cream sauce. If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Perfectly Caramelized Onions: For the best flavor, take your time caramelizing the onions. Cook them on medium-low heat and stir occasionally to achieve that deep golden-brown color without burning.
- Pasta Cooking: Always salt your pasta water! This is your chance to infuse flavor into the pasta itself. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4 quarts of water.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t forget to save that 1/2 cup of pasta water! It’s a secret weapon for adjusting the sauce's consistency and helps the sauce cling beautifully to the pasta.
- Customize Your Pesto: Feel free to experiment with different types of pesto—try sun-dried tomato or arugula pesto for a unique twist!
- Garnishing: Elevate your dish by garnishing with fresh basil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese right before serving. It adds a fresh touch and enhances the presentation.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete Italian feast.
- Make It Ahead: If you're short on time, you can caramelize the onions ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just reheat them when you're ready to finish the pasta. Enjoy your cooking adventure and savor every bite of this creamy, flavorful pasta dish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 410kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 33g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 40mg
