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Tomato-Garlic Pasta Tossed with a Quick Marinated, Caramelized Onion Garnish
40 minutes
Serves 4
DinnerItalian
Herb's take
Inspired by the vibrant layering of flavors in southern Italian kitchens, this dish teaches you how to coax sweetness from onions two ways, sizzling and soaking. You’ll build a garlicky tomato sauce, toss it with al dente pasta, and finish with tangy, caramelized onions for a punchy Mediterranean dinner.
Ingredients
Yield
4
Instructions
- 01In a medium bowl, toss the sliced onion with red wine vinegar, sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Set aside to marinate and soften while you prep the sauce.
- 02In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add half the marinated onions (drained) and cook, stirring frequently, until deeply golden and soft, about 12 minutes. Remove to a plate; reserve for garnish.
- 03Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
- 04Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the empty skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 45 seconds.
- 05Immediately add the chopped tomatoes, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, red pepper flakes, and oregano. Stir and bring to a simmer.
- 06Reduce heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and the sauce thickens, 12 to 15 minutes.
- 07Meanwhile, drop the pasta into the boiling water and cook until just shy of al dente, about 1 minute less than package directions.
- 08When the sauce is ready, taste and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed. Stir in half the torn basil.
- 09Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta. Add pasta to the tomato sauce and toss to coat, adding reserved water a splash at a time until glossy and clinging.
- 10Divide the pasta among bowls. Top with reserved caramelized onions, remaining fresh basil, and a generous shower of grated Parmesan.
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