If you love rich, savory-sweet flavors with minimal effort, this Slow Cooker Caramelized Onions Pasta is a must-try! Let your slow cooker do all the work turning onions into golden, buttery goodness while you go about your day. Toss them with your favorite pasta and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a comforting dish that’s simple yet deeply satisfying. Perfect for a cozy dinner or an easy weeknight meal!
🧅 Ingredients:
4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
3 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp sugar (helps with caramelization)
1 tsp balsamic vinegar (optional – adds depth)
8 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or any you like)
½ cup grated Parmesan (plus more for serving)
Chopped parsley (optional garnish)
🕰️ Instructions:
Prep the onions: Thinly slice all the onions.
Slow cook:
Add onions, butter, olive oil, salt, pepper, and sugar to your slow cooker.
Cook on low for 8-10 hours, stirring once or twice if you can.
At the end, stir in the balsamic vinegar.
Cook pasta: About 20 minutes before the onions are done, cook your pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
Toss it all together:
In a large skillet or pot, combine the caramelized onions with the cooked pasta.
Add the Parmesan cheese and a splash of pasta water to help everything come together.
Serve: Top with extra cheese and parsley if desired.
🧄 Optional Add-Ins:
Cooked mushrooms
Crispy bacon or pancetta
A swirl of cream for richness
Red pepper flakes for heat
Want a shortcut version too, or looking to make it a main dish with meat?
Note:
Caramelized onions can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for later. This makes it easy to whip up this pasta anytime you’re craving something cozy and flavorful!
