Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked gemelli pasta, where sweet caramelized onions mingle with tender asparagus, creating a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of Italian cuisine. This recipe isn't just a meal—it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish you can easily create in your own kitchen. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this elegant yet surprisingly easy pasta recipe that proves gourmet cooking is within everyone's reach!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces gemelli pasta
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- While water is heating, prepare the vegetables. Trim the woody ends from the asparagus and cut into 2-inch diagonal pieces. Peel and slice the large onion into thin, uniform rings.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they become deeply golden and caramelized, approximately 15-18 minutes.
- Once water is boiling, add gemelli pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- During the last 3 minutes of pasta cooking, add asparagus pieces directly to the boiling pasta water to blanch them.
- When pasta and asparagus are cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and asparagus in a colander.
- Add the pasta and asparagus to the skillet with caramelized onions. Toss gently to combine, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, generously garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Patience is key when caramelizing onions—cook them slowly on medium-low heat to develop deep, rich flavor without burning.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining; its starchy goodness helps create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
- Cut asparagus on a diagonal for a more professional presentation and to ensure even cooking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor—pre-grated cheese lacks the same depth and texture.
- For extra richness, consider adding a small pat of butter when tossing the pasta in the skillet.
- Choose high-quality olive oil, as it significantly impacts the overall taste of the dish.
- Don't overcook the asparagus—it should remain bright green and slightly crisp for the best texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
