Caramelized Onion Mac & Cheese

This Caramelized Onion Mac & Cheese is ultra-indulgent and packed with layers of flavor. Sweet, deeply golden onions are slow-cooked to perfection and stirred into a creamy sauce made with heavy cream, butter, and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella. Tossed with tender shell pasta and finished with a final cheesy flourish, this dish is the perfect cozy comfort food with a gourmet twist.

Author: These Carbs Don't Count

Category: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Difficulty: MEDIUM

Prep. Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings: 3 bowls

Calories: 1,557 kcal per serving

Ingredients

1 box - Banza shells or other pasta
5 - yellow onions
5 tablespoon - unsalted butter
2 tablespoon - olive oil
⅛ - Salt
⅛ - Black pepper
1 ½ cup - heavy cream
½ teaspoon - garlic powder
½ teaspoon - onion powder
½ teaspoon - paprika
½ cup - mozzarella cheese
1 cup - cheddar cheese
1 cup - reserved pasta water

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tbsp butter with olive oil. Add sliced onions and season with salt and pepper.
Cook onions slowly for 35–40 minutes, stirring frequently, until deeply caramelized. Remove onions and set aside.
In the same pan, add remaining 2 tbsp butter. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Add cheddar and 1/2 cup mozzarella. Stir until melted and smooth.
Return caramelized onions to the sauce. Add cooked pasta and reserved pasta water as needed.
Stir to combine until creamy. Add more mozzarella if extra cheesiness is desired.
Serve hot and enjoy!