Caramelized Onion & Garlic Pasta

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Cook: 35 min.

Makes

6 servings

Updated: Nov. 17, 2023
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
Caramelized Onion & Garlic Pasta Recipe photo by Taste of Home

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.