Description
This Caramelized Onion and Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta is a deliciously simple yet flavorful dish combining sweet caramelized onions, juicy burst cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it delivers a comforting, savory experience with a touch of freshness from the herbs and cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 sweet onions, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups whole cherry tomatoes
- 1/3 cup fresh chopped basil ribbons, plus extra for topping
Dairy and Fats
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- Shaved Parmesan for topping
Staples
- 8 ounces pasta
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and season with a big pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, for 25 to 35 minutes until the onions are golden and caramelized, developing a deep, sweet flavor.
- Cook the Pasta: Toward the end of the caramelizing process, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Garlic and Tomatoes: Add the minced garlic and whole cherry tomatoes to the skillet with the caramelized onions. Cook, stirring frequently, until the tomatoes begin to burst and release their juices, about 10 minutes. This step builds a rich, saucy texture for the pasta.
- Combine Pasta with Sauce: Stir the cooked pasta into the skillet with the onions and tomatoes. Add the fresh chopped basil ribbons and finely grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the pasta immediately, topped with extra fresh basil and shaved Parmesan for an added burst of freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Use sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla for the best caramelization and natural sweetness.
- For a vegan option, substitute butter and Parmesan with olive oil and nutritional yeast respectively.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can give this dish a spicy kick.
- This recipe serves 4 as a main course.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: Caramelized Onion Pasta, Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta, Vegetarian Italian Dinner, Easy Weeknight Pasta Recipe
