Description
A flavorful Caramelized Onion Pasta with a spicy chili oil twist, creamy parmesan sauce, and aromatic seasonings. This easy-to-make dish combines slowly caramelized onions, pasta, and a touch of heat, perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz dry thin spaghetti
Sauce and Toppings
- 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 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Sauté Garlic: To the onions, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Flavorings: 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 for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Melt Cheese: Stir in parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: 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 chili crisp oil and fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Cook onions slowly over medium-low heat to avoid burning and ensure proper caramelization.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best texture and melting quality.
- Add reserved pasta water gradually to adjust the sauce consistency to your preference.
- Coconut milk can be substituted for half and half to make the dish dairy free.
- Adjust chili crisp amount according to your heat tolerance for a spicier or milder dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
