Garlic and Caramelized Onion Pasta

Name: Garlic and Caramelized Onion Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 head roasted garlic; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1/4 cup fresh parsley; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes; 1 tsp red pepper flakes; 1/2 lemon, juiced; 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb angel hair pasta; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

This garlic and caramelized onion pasta combines buttery roasted garlic, sweet caramelized onions, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes in a rich, herb-forward sauce. The long, slow caramelization of onions builds deep umami flavor that makes this simple pasta feel restaurant-quality.

🌍Italian-American 🏷️Pasta 🏷️Caramelized onion 🏷️Garlic pasta 🏷️Creamy pasta Sun-dried tomato

🏷️

🏷️Comfort food

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foodbymargaritaonTikTok

Total

45 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Medium

Est. Cost

$22–$36

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by foodbymargarita

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foodbymargaritaonTikTok

Ingredients

1 head roasted garlic
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup fresh parsley
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 lemon, juiced
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lb angel hair pasta
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

1
In a food processor, combine the roasted garlic, butter, fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and juice of half a lemon.
2
Blend the ingredients until a thick, relatively smooth sauce forms. Set aside.
3
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are deeply browned and caramelized, about 20-30 minutes.
4
While the onions are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the angel hair pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
5
Add the blended garlic sauce to the skillet with the caramelized onions. Stir to combine and heat through.
6
Add the cooked pasta and shredded mozzarella to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated and the cheese is melted and stringy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
7
Serve immediately.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Caramelize onions low and slow over medium heat without rushing—this develops the natural sugars and creates the dish's signature sweetness and depth.
Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining; use it to adjust sauce consistency and help emulsify the butter and Parmesan.
Toss hot pasta directly with the sauce off heat and add Parmesan gradually while stirring to prevent clumping and ensure a silky, coating texture.
Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and red pepper flakes right before serving to brighten the rich, buttery sauce.

Substitutions

Unsalted butter → ghee (adds a nutty depth that complements caramelized onions)
Angel hair pasta → fettuccine or linguine (heartier shapes still coat well with this creamy sauce)
Sun-dried tomatoes → roasted red peppers or fresh tomato paste (maintains acidity and richness)
Parmesan → Pecorino Romano (sharper, saltier flavor for a more assertive finish)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days refrigerated. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of pasta water or cream to restore creaminess; sauce may separate slightly when cold.

Common Questions

How long does it take to caramelize onions?

Caramelizing onions typically takes 30-45 minutes over medium heat, stirring frequently. They should be deeply golden brown and sweet, not just softened.

Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

Yes. The caramelized onions and sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated. Reheat gently before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.

What's the best way to roast garlic?

Cut the top off a garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast at 400°F for 35-40 minutes until cloves are soft and golden. Squeeze cloves directly into the sauce.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley?

Yes, use 1 tablespoon dried parsley or Italian seasoning for 1/4 cup fresh. Add dried herbs earlier in cooking; finish with a pinch of fresh parsley if you have it for brightness.

How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?

Add butter and cheese off heat or over low heat, and stir constantly. Ensure the pasta water and lemon juice are fully incorporated before adding dairy.