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Caramelized Onion and Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta

Caramelized Onion and Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta
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Caramelized Onion and Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta is a simple yet delicious pasta dish featuring slowly caramelized yellow onions and juicy cherry tomatoes bursting with flavor. This recipe transforms basic pantry staples into a flavorful, colorful meal ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners with a balance of sweetness, acidity, and fresh herbs.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Pasta & Pantry Staples

  • 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional

  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the onions: Slice the yellow onions thinly. Heat olive oil over medium-low heat in a large pan. Add the onions and stir occasionally, letting them caramelize slowly over 20-25 minutes until golden brown and sweet.
  2. Cook the tomatoes and garlic: Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes to the pan. Increase the heat slightly so the tomatoes soften and burst, releasing their juices. Stir gently to combine all flavors.
  3. Boil the pasta: Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve a small cup of pasta water.
  4. Combine and season: Add the drained pasta directly to the pan with the onion and tomato mixture. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  5. Finish with fresh herbs and cheese: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the pasta. If desired, grate Parmesan cheese on top for a rich, savory touch before serving.

Notes

  • Be patient with onions to ensure they caramelize slowly without burning, unlocking maximum sweetness.
  • Use ripe, juicy cherry tomatoes for the best burst effect and flavor.
  • Reserve some pasta water to help marry the sauce and pasta, creating a silky texture.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan to allow tomatoes to soften and burst instead of steaming.
  • Add fresh herbs last to preserve their fragrance and brightness.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramelized onions, burst cherry tomatoes, pasta, spaghetti, linguine, Italian, easy dinner, vegetarian

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/caramelized-onion-and-burst-cherry-tomato-pasta/