Description
A flavorful Caramelized Onion Pasta with a spicy chili oil twist, combining rich butter-sautéed onions, a creamy sauce with parmesan, and a hint of heat from chili crisp to create a comforting yet exciting meal perfect for dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz dry thin spaghetti
- 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 the pasta.
- Sauté Garlic and Combine Flavors: To the onions, add remaining butter and minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in chili crisp, soy sauce, and honey until well combined.
- Create Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Pour in half and half. Add paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Cheese: Stir in parmesan until melted and smooth, creating a creamy sauce.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until fully coated. Add reserved pasta water gradually if needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with extra chili crisp oil and fresh parsley before serving to add color and extra flavor.
Notes
- Cook onions slowly over medium-low heat to avoid burning and to develop a rich caramelized flavor.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best texture and flavor melt into the sauce.
- Gradually add reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency without making it too watery.
- Adjust the amount of chili crisp according to your heat preference for a milder or spicier dish.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute half and half with coconut milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
