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Quick Caramelised Onion Pasta Recipe

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(This post has been updated from the original March 2015 version to provide a better experience for you)

Bored of eating the same things? Don’t have long to make tea on a busy weeknight? This comforting caramelised onion pasta recipe is speedy and delicious! Taking just 30 minutes to get on the table. And it’s super cheap too! Keep reading to learn how to make it…

Parsley and parmesan topped onion pasta in a white bowl

Quick onion pasta

Being a busy working Mum, I am always in desperate need of quick, easy and filling meal ideas. As I’m sure many of you can relate – time is a precious commodity as a parent!

This seriously simple onion pasta recipe only takes about 30 minutes to make, and is incredibly tasty. Just the midweek meal I’ve been looking for! 

If you like this recipe…

…you might also like:

Caramelised Onion Pasta – Step by Step Picture Recipe

(For a printer friendly version, see the recipe card at the end of this post)

Ingredients

Here is what you will need to feed 2. (Easily doubled)

  • 2 x Large Onions
  • 40g (3 tbsp) Butter
  • 200g (7 oz) Fusilli Pasta *
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Thyme
  • Salt and Pepper
  • 15 – 20g (1/8 Cup – 1/4 Cup) Freshly Grated Parmesan

* or any dried shaped pasta of your choice

Essential equipment

  • Chopping Board
  • Sharp Knife
  • Large Frying Pan
  • Large Saucepan

Instructions

First thing’s first, peel and slice the onions (2 x large) as thinly as you can using a sharp knife and chopping board.

Then, in a large non stick frying pan, melt the butter (40g | 3 tbsp) over a low heat.

Now add the thinly sliced onion into the pan, and cook over a gentle heat for about 20 minutes. Until the onions have softened and turned golden brown in colour.

Don’t be tempted to turn up the heat as this could make them crispy.

Thinly sliced onions in a large frying pan
Caramelised onions in a large frying pan

Meanwhile, cook the pasta (200g | 7 oz) in a large saucepan, according to the packet instructions. When it is cooked, before draining, reserve a little of the water for later. (About 100-200ml | 1/2 Cup – 3/4 Cup)

Then add the thyme (1/2 tsp) to the onions, and season well with salt and pepper. Give it a good stir.

Seasoned caramelised onions in a frying pan

Now tip the cooked pasta into the frying pan with the onions, and add the reserved water. Stir it all up and warm it through for a minute or two. Season with more salt and pepper to taste if needed.

Onion pasta in a frying pan

Divide between two bowls, top with a generous sprinkling of the grated parmesan cheese (15 – 20g | 1/8 Cup – 1/4 Cup) and devour!

Caramelised onion pasta in a bowl topped with parmesan cheese

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A bowl of caramelised onion pasta topped with grated parmesan and fresh parsley. A text overlay says 'Quick onion pasta'.
Caramelised onion pasta in a bowl topped with fresh parsley

Quick Caramelised Onion Pasta - Printable Recipe

Yield: 2
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Speedy, satisfying and comforting - this delightful caramelised onion pasta recipe is a perfect easy midweek meal!

Ingredients

  • 40g (3 tbsp) Butter
  • 2 x Large Onions, finely sliced
  • 200g (7 oz) Fusilli Pasta *
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Thyme
  • Salt and Pepper
  • 15 – 20g (1/8 Cup – 1/4 Cup) Freshly Grated Parmesan

Essential equipment

  • Large Frying Pan
  • Large Saucepan

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter over a low heat in a large frying pan. Then add the sliced onions and stir well.
  2. Cook gently for about 20 minutes. Until golden and softened. Do not increase the heat as this can make them crispy. Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a saucepan as per the packet instructions. When draining, save some of the pasta water (approx 100-200ml | 1/2 Cup – 3/4 Cup).
  3. Then add the thyme to the onions and season well with salt and pepper.
  4. Add the cooked pasta and the reserved cooking water into the onions and stir thoroughly. Keep on the heat to warm through for a few minutes.
  5. Finally, divide between 2 bowls and top with the parmesan. Enjoy!

Notes

* or any dried shaped pasta of your choice

See the main post for a more detailed, step by step picture recipe.

Recommended Products

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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 611Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0.7gUnsaturated Fat: 6.2gCholesterol: 49mgSodium: 424mgCarbohydrates: 91gFiber: 6.1gSugar: 9.5gProtein: 17g

Did you make this recipe?

I'd love to hear about it! Please leave a comment on the blog or tag me on Instagram.

I want to see YOUR cooking!

Have you made this super yum onion pasta recipe? I’d love to know if you have! Tag me in your pics on FacebookTwitter and Instagram or email me at emma@kitchenmason.com.

Other speedy pasta recipes

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theeighthours

Saturday 28th of March 2015

Pasta is always a go to dish. I love it. If you want to try something different we made Ricotta & Spinach Gnocchi

https://theeighthours.wordpress.com/2015/03/25/home-made-spinach-ricotta-gnocchi/

Miss KitchenMason

Saturday 28th of March 2015

Ooh that sounds delicious! X

Utkarshini Khanna

Sunday 8th of March 2015

So humble and so good!

John

Monday 2nd of March 2015

I'm having this for dinner tonight! I did't see any link to kitchen wares you like. Your non-stick skillet looks to be holding up well. What brand is that may I ask? Are you happy with it?

Miss KitchenMason

Monday 2nd of March 2015

Hi! Yes, I probably should do that at some point! It's a Stellar frying pan. I love it, it's my favourite & most used pan! Very sturdy, seriously non stick & already lasted me about 3 years. Fantastic brand :)

chef mimi

Monday 2nd of March 2015

I love onions, and this does look fabulous!!!

Baking With Gab

Monday 2nd of March 2015

This sounds delicious. Beautiful photos too :)

Miss KitchenMason

Monday 2nd of March 2015

Thanks Gab! X

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