Italian Recipes - Caramelized Onions and Garlic with Cavatelli

Ingredients     

• 10 ounces dried cavatelli or other medium-size pasta (about 2 cups)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 medium onions, sliced

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons water

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

• 1/2 cup pine nuts or chopped walnuts, toasted

• 1tablespoon snipped fresh thyme

• Salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

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Method:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain well. Return to hot pan; cover and keep warm.

2. Meanwhile, in a heavy large skillet heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add onions; cover and cook for 13 to 15 minutes or until onions are tender, stirring occasionally.

3. Uncover; add sugar. Cook and stir over medium-high heat for 4 to 5 minutes more or until onions are golden brown.

4. Add zucchini and garlic. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Stir in the water and balsamic vinegar; cook for 2 to 3 minutes more or until zucchini is crisp-tender.

5. In a large bowl toss together warm pasta, onion mixture, nuts, and thyme. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.