Pasta with Smothered Onion Sauce Marcella Hazan
Indulge in the comforting simplicity of Pasta with Smothered Onion Sauce, a signature dish inspired by the legendary Marcella Hazan. This recipe transforms humble ingredients into a luxurious, flavor-packed meal. Golden, caramelized onions are slowly cooked to perfection, creating a rich and aromatic base enhanced by dry white wine, a splash of heavy cream, and a generous handful of grated Parmesan cheese. Paired with perfectly al dente pasta, this velvety sauce clings to every strand, delivering a delightful balance of sweetness and umami. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color, this classic Italian-inspired dish is ideal for an intimate dinner or a cozy family meal. Perfect for lovers of simple yet elevated pasta recipes, this dish brings the essence of homemade Italian cooking straight to your table.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 large Yellow onions
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 cup Dry white wine
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 12 ounces Pasta (such as spaghetti or fettuccine)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Peel and thinly slice the yellow onions into half-moons.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the sliced onions to the pan, stirring to coat them evenly with the fat.
Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper, then reduce the heat to low.
Cover the pan and let the onions cook slowly for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft, golden, and sweet. Be careful not to let them burn.
Once the onions are caramelized, pour in the white wine and increase the heat to medium-high. Let the wine simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
Once the wine has reduced, lower the heat again and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for another 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
While the sauce is finishing, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
Add the cooked pasta directly to the saucepan with the onion sauce, tossing to coat each strand evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Transfer the pasta to serving plates or a large bowl, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3314 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 226.2 g | 290% | |
| Saturated Fat | 123.8 g | 619% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 554 mg | 185% | |
| Sodium | 6092 mg | 265% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 150.3 g | 55% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.8 g | 42% | |
| Total Sugars | 17.0 g | ||
| Protein | 114.2 g | 228% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2743 mg | 211% | |
| Iron | 5.0 mg | 28% | |
| Potassium | 1033 mg | 22% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
