This Slow Cooker Caramelized Onion Pasta combines rich, slow-cooked onions with savory herbs and pasta for a flavorful dish. It’s an easy recipe that uses minimal ingredients but packs a punch of deep, savory sweetness. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Simple ingredients with rich, complex flavors
- Slow-cooker convenience for minimal effort
- Vegetarian-friendly and easily customizable
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar (optional for extra sweetness)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 1 lb pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, penne)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Slow Cooker Caramelized Onion Pasta:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prep the Onions: Thinly slice onions and add to the slow cooker.
- Start the Cooking: Add olive oil or butter, salt, and optional sugar. Stir well, cover, and cook on low for 8-10 hours.
- Enhance the Flavor: 30 minutes before completion, add minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and vegetable broth. Continue cooking until aromatic.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta per package instructions, reserving a cup of pasta water.
- Combine: Mix the pasta with caramelized onions, adding reserved water as needed for a creamy consistency.
- Finish: Stir in Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Helpful Tips:
- Stir occasionally during the cooking process to prevent burning.
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of cream to the onions.
- Sautéed mushrooms or spinach can be added for extra heartiness.
Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 hours
- Total Time: 8-10 hours and 20 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes:
For a vegan version, replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast. You can also add grilled chicken or seared fish for more protein.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, any pasta works, but long strands like spaghetti are particularly nice with this sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
The onions can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a little extra water or broth to maintain a creamy texture.
Related Recipes:
If you liked this recipe, try these:
Conclusion:
This Slow Cooker Caramelized Onion Pasta is a satisfying and simple meal that captures the essence of Italian comfort food. Perfect for busy days, this dish proves that great flavors can come from minimal ingredients and effort.
Print
Slow Cooker Caramelized Onion Pasta
Description
This Slow Cooker Caramelized Onion Pasta combines rich, slow-cooked onions with savory herbs and pasta for a flavorful dish. It’s an easy recipe that uses minimal ingredients but packs a punch of deep, savory sweetness. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar (optional for extra sweetness)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 1 lb pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, penne)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Onions: Thinly slice onions and add to the slow cooker.
- Start the Cooking: Add olive oil or butter, salt, and optional sugar. Stir well, cover, and cook on low for 8-10 hours.
- Enhance the Flavor: 30 minutes before completion, add minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and vegetable broth. Continue cooking until aromatic.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta per package instructions, reserving a cup of pasta water.
- Combine: Mix the pasta with caramelized onions, adding reserved water as needed for a creamy consistency.
- Finish: Stir in Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
For a vegan version, replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast. You can also add grilled chicken or seared fish for more protein.
