Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of pasta that's unlike any you've tried before – a magical combination of silky yogurt sauce and melt-in-your-mouth caramelized onions that will transform your dinner routine forever. This isn't just another pasta recipe; it's a culinary adventure that brings together the rich, sweet depth of slowly caramelized onions and the tangy creaminess of yogurt in a dish that's both surprisingly simple and incredibly sophisticated. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your dinner guests with this Italian-inspired masterpiece that proves gourmet cooking can be both easy and absolutely delicious!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (your choice)
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Slice the two large onions thinly and set them aside. Measure out 8 ounces of pasta, your choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne work well), and 1 cup of plain yogurt. Chop some fresh parsley for garnish and set aside.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onions to the skillet.
- Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes, or until they are soft and caramelized. You want them to be a deep golden brown. If they start to stick to the pan, you can add a splash of water to help deglaze.
- Once the onions are caramelized, reduce the heat to low and season them with salt and pepper to taste. Keep them warm while you finish the pasta.
- When the pasta is done cooking, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Do not rinse the pasta, as you want to keep the starch that helps the sauce adhere.
- Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the caramelized onions. If the skillet is too small, you can return the pasta to the pot instead.
- Stir in the plain yogurt and mix well to combine. If the mixture seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach your desired consistency. The yogurt should create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta.
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- To serve, divide the pasta among four plates. Garnish each serving with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Enjoy your delicious Pasta with Yogurt and Caramelized Onions, a delightful Italian-inspired dish!
Tips
- Onion Caramelization Secrets: Take your time with the onions – low and slow is the key to achieving that deep golden color and sweet flavor. Don't rush the process; it takes about 15-20 minutes to truly caramelize onions.
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. The starchy water helps create a smoother, more cohesive sauce and can help adjust the consistency if needed.
- Yogurt Selection Matters: Use a full-fat, plain yogurt for the best creamy texture and richness. Greek yogurt works particularly well in this recipe.
- Temperature Tip: When adding yogurt to the hot pasta, stir quickly and keep the heat low to prevent the yogurt from separating or curdling.
- Seasoning is Key: Taste and adjust your salt and pepper at the end. The caramelized onions and yogurt will impact the overall flavor, so final seasoning is crucial.
- Fresh Herb Finish: The chopped parsley isn't just for looks – it adds a fresh, bright note that cuts through the richness of the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
