Description
A rich and flavorful Caramelized Onion Pasta with a spicy kick from chili oil, creamy sauce, and savory Parmesan, perfect for a comforting yet elevated quick dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz dry thin spaghetti
Caramelized Onion and Sauce
- 1 large white onion thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter divided
- 4 cloves garlic pressed or minced
- 1-2 tablespoon chili crisp plus more for serving (depending on your heat preference)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2/3 cup half and half (coconut milk can be used for dairy free)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan
- fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, add olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter. Add sliced onion and cook, stirring frequently, for about 20 minutes until soft and lightly caramelized.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Add Garlic and Butter: To the onions, add remaining butter and minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Create Sauce Base: Stir in chili crisp, soy sauce, and honey until combined.
- Simmer Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Pour in half and half. Add paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Simmer 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Incorporate Cheese: Stir in parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Toss Pasta: Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until fully coated. Add reserved pasta water only if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with additional chili crisp oil and fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Cook onions slowly over low heat to avoid burning and achieve a deep caramelized flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and melting quality.
- Add reserved pasta water gradually to adjust the sauce consistency to your preference.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute half and half with full-fat coconut milk and omit Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.
- Adjust chili crisp quantity to match your heat tolerance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
