There’s nothing like pasta with sweet candied onions and melty burrata 🤤
This dish is everything your pasta-loving heart could dream of: creamy, sweet, savory, herby, and just rich enough to feel like a treat without being too heavy. The candied red onions steal the show—they’re baked until golden and sweet, infused with herbs and garlic, then swirled into pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and cream.
And just when you think it can’t get better… we finish it with a big, beautiful burrata ball that melts perfectly into the warm pasta. Cozy night in? Date night dinner? Impress-the-in-laws pasta? Check, check, and check ✔️
Let’s get cooking!
📝 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
- 400g pasta (penne, fusilli, or your fave shape)
- 250g red onions, thinly sliced
- 120g sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 whole garlic head
- 15cl oil from the sun-dried tomato jar
- 50g fresh spinach
- 7g fresh parsley, chopped
- 20cl heavy cream (or single cream)
- Salt, to taste
- 1 ball of burrata, for serving
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the candied onion magic
Start by preheating your oven to 200°C / 400°F.
In a baking dish, combine:
- The sliced red onions
- Chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- Paprika, oregano, thyme
- A good drizzle of sun-dried tomato oil (this stuff is liquid gold!)
Cut the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves. Nestle it right in the center of the baking dish, drizzle with a bit more oil, and cover the dish with foil or a lid.
Pop it in the oven and roast for 40 minutes, until everything is soft, fragrant, and slightly caramelized. This is where the onions get that candied, sweet-savory flavor.
2. Cook your pasta
While the onions roast, boil your pasta in salted water until al dente. Don’t overcook it—we want that perfect bite!
Drain and reserve a splash of pasta water (just in case you need to loosen the sauce later).
3. Creamy dreamy sauce time
When the onions are done, remove the garlic head and squeeze out the soft, roasted cloves right into the baking dish. Use a spoon to mash and stir them in—they’ll melt into the mixture like butter.
Add:
- The fresh spinach
- Chopped parsley
- Heavy cream
- Cooked pasta
Mix everything together gently but thoroughly. The heat will wilt the spinach and thicken the cream. If it feels a bit too thick, splash in that pasta water you saved earlier!
4. Serve & finish with burrata
Plate the pasta into cozy bowls and top each one with a creamy burrata ball (or half, if you’re sharing). Drizzle a little oil, sprinkle with extra herbs, or even a touch of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
💡 Tips for Perfect Pasta with Candied Onions
- Use good-quality sun-dried tomatoes – Oil-packed versions have the best texture and flavor.
- Don’t skip the roasted garlic! It brings a sweet, nutty depth that totally transforms the sauce.
- Spinach subs? Kale or arugula work great too.
- Want more protein? Add roasted chicken or crispy pancetta on top.
🌿 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pan for the sauce: Everything caramelizes and melds together in the oven—less cleanup, more flavor!
- Crowd-pleaser: It looks gourmet but is easy enough for a weeknight.
- Vegetarian-friendly: Completely meat-free but packed with umami and richness.
📦 Storage & Reheatin
Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat:
- Add a splash of cream or water
- Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave
- Stir in a little fresh parsley to revive the flavor!
🔁 Variations to Try
- Add mushrooms: Roast them with the onions for extra meatiness.
- Make it spicy: Add chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
- Swap the cream: Use coconut cream or oat cream for a dairy-free version (just skip the burrata or use a plant-based cheese).
🧡 Final Thoughts
This Pasta with Candied Onions recipe is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, creamy, and herby. It’s indulgent but wholesome, simple yet full of depth. Whether you’re cooking to impress or just want a cozy bowl of comfort, this dish will hit the spot every time.
So go ahead—grab that garlic, slice those onions, and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite pasta recipe!