| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 30 mins – 35 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 450 | 18g | 7g | 62g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8g | 6g | 15g | 0.8g |
Every so often, a recipe comes along that combines the comfort of home-cooked family traditions with the vibrant flavors of farm-fresh ingredients. One such dish is the rich and aromatic Caramelized Cipollini Onions and Mushroom Pasta. A beautiful symphony of textures and flavors, this heartwarming dish truly exhibits my love affair with Italian-American cuisine, integral to my culinary journey since my childhood in New Jersey.
The Perfect Canvas for Flavor: The Power of Vegetables
One of the reasons why I adore this Caramelized Cipollini Onions and Mushroom Pasta is its celebration of the humble vegetable. These aren’t just additions, but stars of the dish. The earthy cremini mushrooms, the sweetness of caramelized Cipollini onions, and the fragrant notes of garlic come together in a comforting, flavor-packed pasta dish. Mushrooms are known to boost the immune system and provide important nutrients, while onions are respected for their beneficial effects on heart health.
Reminiscent of Home, Flexible for Every Palate
This specific recipe reminds me of the hearty dishes my Italian grandparents used to prepare, yet it’s flexible enough to be tailored according to your personal palate. You can experiment with types of pasta, or even replace the white wine with a splash of pasta water for a non-alcoholic version. Additionally, Caramelized Cipollini Onions and Mushroom Pasta pairs well with green salads and Italian baked chicken, making it perfect for a sumptuous family dinner or a comforting meal for one.
As someone who enjoys hiking and the delights of nature, this vegetable-rich pasta dish is a healthy and satisfying choice that keeps me fueled throughout the day. The combination of Caramelized Cipollini Onions and Mushroom Pasta is a flavorful plate of love that always beckons for seconds. It is proof that with a few simple ingredients, and lots of love, you can create a comforting and nourishing feast that is nutritious, irresistibly delicious, and tells a story of family, tradition, and passion for good, healthy food.
What You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 20 small cipollini onions, peeled
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 16 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 pound pasta of your choice
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Method
Step One
Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large frying pan. Add the cipollini onions and cook for about 5 minutes, until they start to become golden.
Step Two
Add the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar to the pan. Stir to coat the onions. Cover the pan, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for about 15 minutes, until the onions are caramelized.
Step Three
Remove the onions from the pan and set them aside. In the same pan, add the butter. Once melted, add the sliced cremini mushrooms. Cook for about 5 minutes, until they start to brown.
Step Four
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Then, pour in the white wine and let it simmer, scraping any bits off the bottom of the pan.
Step Five
In the meantime, cook your pasta according to package instructions. Save 1 cup of the pasta water for later.
Step Six
Once the wine has mostly evaporated, add the cooked pasta to the pan with the mushrooms. Stir in the saved pasta water a little at a time, until you reach your desired creamy consistency.
Step Seven
Add the parmesan cheese to the pan and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step Eight
Finally, add the caramelized cipollini onions back to the pan. Stir to combine, then garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy!
