Umami-rich pasta balances caramelized onions, herbs, cheese, and citrus zest for a cozy Italian-inspired meal.
# What you'll need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz dried spaghetti or fettuccine
→ Caramelized Onions
02 - 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
03 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
05 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
06 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
07 - 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, for quicker caramelization)
→ Flavorings & Garnish
08 - 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
09 - 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
10 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
11 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
12 - 1.5 oz grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
13 - Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
14 - Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
# Method:
01 - Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-low. Add onions, salt, pepper, and sugar if using. Cook, stirring frequently, for 25 to 30 minutes until onions are deeply golden and caramelized.
02 - Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
03 - Pour in white wine if using, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for about 2 minutes until mostly evaporated.
04 - In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of cooking water, then drain.
05 - Add drained pasta to the skillet with the caramelized onions. Toss thoroughly, using reserved pasta water to loosen the mixture as needed.
06 - Stir in grated Parmesan, lemon zest, and chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning to taste.
07 - Portion immediately onto plates, garnishing with additional Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, and red pepper flakes if desired.
