Here’s a favorite pasta recipe of mine: Spaghetti with Caramelized Onions, Mushrooms and Pancetta
If you love caramelized onions, mushrooms and pancetta (bacon), then this recipe is definitely for you. This isn’t a pasta with a heavy sauce… or really a sauce at all. It’s cooked spaghetti simply tossed with these goodies and a garlicky broth.
I love how this pasta dish lets the added flavors shine without any kind of sauce. It’s really not needed. If you wish, you could certainly add a generous portion of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. My family is always into cheese, so we do that too.
If you happen to be following the Weight Watchers program, divide this recipe into four equal servings. Each serving will cost you 8 Freestyle SmartPoints. If you’re not following the program, split this recipe into two and call it dinner with a partner!
Thank you to Tanya from the LemonsForLulu.com blog for shooting these beautiful photos of this spaghetti for me. She certainly captured its deliciousness!
Spaghetti with Caramelized Onions, Mushrooms and Pancetta
Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup (about 1 ounce) chopped pancetta or bacon
- 6 cups (about 3 large onions) sliced sweet onions
- ½ teaspoon salt, divided
- ¼ teaspoon pepper, divided
- 6 cups (about 1 pound) sliced mushrooms
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh oregano (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, divided
- 3 medium garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup low salt chicken broth
- fresh oregano, optional
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain well; set aside.
- Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add pancetta and sauté for 3 minutes. Stir in onion, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon pepper; cover and cook 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Uncover and cook 10 additional minutes, stirring frequently. Remove onion mixture from skillet; set aside.
- Add mushrooms, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon pepper to skillet; cook over medium high heat 4 minutes. Add minced oregano and 2 tablespoons parsley; cook 1 minute. Add garlic; sauté 1 minute. Add onion mixture and broth; cook until thoroughly heated. Add mushroom mixture to pasta; toss to coat.
- Divide among 4 shallow bowls; sprinkle evenly with 2 tablespoons parsley. Garnish with fresh oregano sprigs, if desired.
Notes
- Pancetta is Italian bacon that is cured with salt and spices but not smoked. Regular bacon or ham can be substituted for it.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Here are a few more spaghetti recipes you might enjoy:
- Old Spaghetti Factory Mizithra Cheese and Browned Butter by Oh, Sweet Basil
- Chicken Spaghetti Casserole by Recipe Girl
- Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs by She Wears Many Hats
- Easy Spaghetti Pie by Recipe Girl
