Imagine a pasta dish so simple yet so incredibly delicious that it transforms ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. This Pasta and Sweet Onions recipe is your ticket to an Italian-inspired meal that's both comforting and elegant. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cooking skills, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that will have everyone asking for seconds - and your secret recipe!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (e.g., spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 sweet onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Use about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4 quarts of water. This will season the pasta as it cooks.
- While waiting for the water to boil, prepare the ingredients. Thinly slice the two sweet onions and mince the two cloves of garlic. Set aside.
- Once the water is boiling, add the 12 ounces of pasta (such as spaghetti) to the pot. Cook according to the package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot but not smoking.
- Add the sliced sweet onions to the skillet. Sauté them gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and translucent. If they start to brown too quickly, reduce the heat.
- After the onions have softened, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Continue to sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Toss to combine, adding a little reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce that coats the pasta.
- Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a minute to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the pasta warm, garnishing each plate with freshly chopped parsley for added color and flavor.
Tips
- Choose the right onions: Sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla will give your dish the most delicate, mellow flavor.
- Master the art of caramelization: Cook onions slowly on medium-low heat to develop their natural sweetness without burning.
- Don't skip pasta water: The starchy liquid helps create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to your pasta.
- Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a more vibrant flavor compared to pre-chopped versions.
- Al dente is key: Cook pasta just until it's tender but still has a slight bite for the best texture.
- Garnish generously: Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh note that elevates the entire dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 385kcal
Carbohydrates: 69g
Protein: 13g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
