Quick Garlic and Onion Spaghetti Recipe

Sometimes the pantry staples hiding in your kitchen create the most memorable meals. I found that slow-cooked aromatics transform this simple pasta dish into something truly special.

My Garlic and Onion Spaghetti brings together sweet, tender onions and savory garlic in a cream sauce that feels like a warm hug.

What Makes This Garlic and Onion Spaghetti a Keeper

You do not need a long shopping list to create a restaurant-quality dinner at home. This recipe relies on basic ingredients that likely already sit in your kitchen cabinet.

The combination of butter and oil ensures the onions caramelize slowly without burning. I love how the sauce coats the pasta strands evenly for maximum flavor in every bite.

It serves as an excellent vegetarian main course or a hearty side dish for grilled meats. Even my pickiest eaters ask for seconds because the flavors are so gentle and sweet.

If you enjoyed this creamy pasta, you will want to try my Hearty Filet Mignon Recipe next. For a complete family feast, I also recommend serving it alongside the Cozy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe.

Everything You Need for Perfect Garlic and Onion Spaghetti

Here is the simple list of items you need to gather:

• Spaghetti: The long noodles are perfect for holding onto the rich cream sauce.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates the luxurious, velvety texture of the finished dish.
• Vegetable Broth: Provides the liquid base and savory depth without using wine.
• White Onions: These become incredibly sweet and tender when cooked down slowly.
• Garlic: Minced finely to infuse the butter with aromatic flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps caramelize the vegetables beautifully.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Prevents the butter from burning and adds a fruity undertone.
• Sugar: A small amount helps aid the caramelization process for the onions.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese adds a salty, nutty finish.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning the pasta water and the sauce.
• Black Pepper: Freshly cracked pepper cuts through the richness of the cream.

My Method for Garlic and Onion Spaghetti

Let’s get cooking with these simple steps:

1. Begin by placing a large saucepan over low heat and melting the butter together with the olive oil. Add the sliced onions, minced garlic, sugar, and salt directly into the warm fat. Cover the pan and let this mixture cook slowly for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn soft, translucent, and incredibly sweet.
2. While the aromatic onion mixture cooks, fill a large pot with water and a generous pinch of salt, then bring it to a rolling boil. Add the Garlic and Onion Spaghetti noodles and boil them for about 7 minutes, or until they are cooked through but still offer a slight resistance when bitten. Drain the pasta well, but keep it covered to stay warm while you finish the sauce.
3. Pour the vegetable broth into the saucepan with the softened onions and increase the heat to bring it to a gentle boil. Lower the heat immediately and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the liquid has mostly evaporated, concentrating the savory flavors.
4. Pour the heavy whipping cream into the onion and broth mixture, stirring gently to combine everything into a uniform sauce. Let this simmer for another 2 minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Finally, transfer the warm pasta to a large serving bowl, pour the creamy onion sauce over the top, and toss everything with the Parmesan cheese and plenty of cracked black pepper before serving.

My Garlic and Onion Spaghetti Secrets

Patience is the most important ingredient when cooking the onions for this Garlic and Onion Spaghetti. You want them soft and translucent rather than browned or crispy to achieve the right texture.

I always use freshly grated cheese instead of the pre-shredded kind for a smoother melt. The starch in pre-packaged cheese often prevents it from binding properly with the warm cream sauce.

If the sauce becomes too thick while tossing, splash in a tablespoon of warm water. This trick keeps the texture silky and prevents the pasta from becoming dry or clumpy as it cools.

How I Like to Serve This Garlic and Onion Spaghetti

A crisp green salad with a sharp vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the cream sauce beautifully. I also like to add a side of crusty bread to soak up every drop of the savory sauce on the plate.

For a protein boost, sliced grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp make excellent toppings for this dish. You can also sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and herbal freshness.

I’d love for you to join my community of food lovers on Pinterest where I share more cozy meal inspiration.

Creamy Garlic and Onion Spaghetti

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• Author: Amelia Bryan
• Total Time: 47 min
• Yield: 6 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A rich and comforting pasta dish featuring sweet caramelized onions and garlic in a savory cream sauce.

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Ingredients

• 12 ounces dry spaghetti pasta
• 3 medium white onions, halved and thinly sliced
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 8 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Melt the butter and olive oil in a saucepan over low heat. Add the sliced onions, minced garlic, sugar, and salt. Cover and cook for roughly 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are very soft and translucent.
2. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti for about 7 to 8 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta and keep it warm.
3. Pour the vegetable broth into the onion mixture. Increase heat to bring to a boil, then reduce to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the liquid reduces and evaporates.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
5. Place the cooked spaghetti in a serving bowl. Pour the hot onion cream sauce over the pasta. Add the Parmesan cheese and black pepper, then toss well to coat every strand.

Notes

For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be less thick. If you don’t have vegetable broth, chicken broth works well for non-vegetarians.

• Prep Time: 12 min
• Resting Time:
• Cook Time: 35 min
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 510
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Garlic and Onion Spaghetti, creamy pasta recipe, vegetarian dinner, caramelized onion pasta, easy weeknight meal