Caramelized Onion Pasta

Total Time Prep: 20 min. Cook: 35 min.
Yield 6 servings
Test Kitchen Approved
While this caramelized onion pasta dish tastes and looks luxurious, it's completely approachable for any home cook. If you're new to caramelizing onions, don't even worry, we'll walk you through it.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup butter, cubed
  • 2 large sweet onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 8 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
  • 1 package (16 ounces) uncooked angel hair pasta
  • 9 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
  • 2/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
  • Fresh basil leaves, optional

Directions

  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add onions, pepper flakes and salt; saute until onions are tender. Stir in garlic. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes or until onions are deep golden brown.
  2. Add tomatoes, vinegar and 2 tablespoons oil to skillet. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta; toss with onion mixture.
  3. Drizzle with remaining olive oil. Sprinkle with bacon, cheese, and pepper; heat through. Garnish with basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

1-1/2 cups: 587 calories, 25g fat (9g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 496mg sodium, 71g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein.

This full-flavored recipe is the result of my mother's love of pasta and our love of cooking together. With a bit of pepper heat and smoky bacon, the entree is excellent alone or paired with grilled chicken. —Lacy Jo Matheson, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
Recipe Creator

© 2025 RDA Enthusiast Brands, LLC