Name: Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 300 g gluten-free spaghetti (or regular, if preferred); 1 ½ large onions, thinly sliced; 1 garlic clove, minced; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon sugar; ½ cup white wine; 1 cup vegetable broth; 1 cup heavy milk or almond cream; Salt and ground black pepper, to taste; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus a few thin slices for garnish)

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The scent hits first — onions gently sizzling in butter and olive oil, softening into that golden sweetness that makes everyone wander into the kitchen asking, “What’s cooking?” That’s when you know this dish is going to be special.

This Caramelized Onion Pasta became a family favorite after a few rounds of experimenting. Fabi eventually declared, “This one’s perfect—don’t change a thing!” and she was right. It’s creamy, rich, and surprisingly light at the same time.

It started as a gluten- and dairy-friendly version for my daughter, but the combination of almond cream, caramelized onions, and Parmesan won everyone over. Now, even though she can eat everything again, this version stayed — because honestly, it’s better this way.

So, from my kitchen to yours, here it is: my version of Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta.

Why You’ll Love This Caramelized Onion Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Caramelized Onion Pasta
Sweet, slow-cooked onions add a rich, mellow depth of flavor
The sauce is luxuriously creamy, whether you use almond or dairy cream
Naturally vegetarian and gluten-free friendly
Elegant enough for guests, easy enough for weeknights

Recipe At a Glance

Kitchen Time: 30–35 minutes
Servings: 2 to 3
Difficulty: Easy
Make Ahead: Best enjoyed fresh
Adaptable: Dairy-free or regular pasta—your call

What You’ll Need

Base

300 g gluten-free spaghetti (or regular, if preferred)

For the Sauce

1 ½ large onions, thinly sliced
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon sugar
½ cup white wine
1 cup vegetable broth
1 cup heavy milk or almond cream
Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus a few thin slices for garnish)

Pro tip: A good nonstick skillet makes all the difference when sealing the pork beautifully.

prep & Cook

Step 01 – Start the Flavor Base

Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sugar and let it melt gently before adding the onions, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir occasionally and let the onions cook slowly until golden and soft — about 10 to 15 minutes.

Don’t rush this step — it’s where the magic happens.

Set aside a small spoonful of the caramelized onions for garnish.

Step 02 – Build the Sauce

Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, then add the vegetable broth and cook for another minute.

Step 03 – Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.

Step 04 – Make It Creamy

Add Parmesan to the onion sauce. Once melted, stir in the heavy milk or almond cream until smooth.

Step 05 – Bring It All Together

Combine and finish.
Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water. Toss until silky and fully coated.

Serve and top.
Plate and garnish with the reserved onions and Parmesan shavings.

Secrets From Our Kitchen to Yours

Be patient with the onions for this Caramelized Onion Pasta—don’t rush them, that’s where the flavor builds.
Use a tall skillet or ceramic pan for even cooking and easy cleanup.
No white wine? A splash of broth with a bit of lemon juice works too.

Serving Suggestions for this Caramelized Onion Pasta

This dish is perfect on its own, but you can also try:

A crisp green salad with our Lemon Vinaigrette
Roasted vegetables are also a great side dish for this pasta
For dessert, how about Papaya’s Cream Dessert?

Featured Roasted Vegetables Medley With Parmesan — Roasted Vegetables

Papaya Dessert Image 01 — Papaya’s Cream Dessert

Put Your Spin on It

Use regular spaghetti if gluten isn’t a concern
Swap almond cream for oat, soy, or dairy-based
Add mushrooms or spinach for extra depth, the Caramelized Onion Pasta will still taste great with these twists.

Tasty Thoughts

Some recipes stay because they’re practical. Others, like this Caramelized Onion Pasta, stay because they feel like home. This one? It’s both. The kind of pasta you can make without overthinking it—but still feel proud to serve.

I’ve made it on quiet nights, on busy ones, and even once when I didn’t have the right cream or pasta shape (no one noticed). But when I make it just like this, the way Fabi insists it has to be—well, it’s always a hit.

Common Questions

Can I make this Caramelized Onion Pasta without wine?
Yes, just use extra broth and a splash of lemon juice to balance the flavor.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Not really—cream-based sauces can separate. But you can keep leftovers in the fridge for 2 days.

What’s the best onion to use?
Yellow onions caramelize beautifully, but white or sweet onions also work.

Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but it’ll be thinner. Stick to cream (dairy or plant-based) for that luscious texture.

Nutrition Notes

You’ll find a rough nutrition estimate for this caramelized onion pasta in the recipe card below. Just keep in mind, it’s a ballpark figure based on common ingredients — not a medical guide. For anything more specific, it’s always best to check with a registered nutritionist.

Keep Cooking With Us

Looking for more cozy comfort from our kitchen? Try these next:

Leek Risotto – Smooth, savory, and perfect with a side of roasted chicken
Simple Roasted Potatoes – Crispy edges and soft centers—always a crowd-pleaser
Lemon Mousse – Light, creamy, and the easiest thing you’ll make all week