Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil
A delightful balance of sweet caramelized onions and spicy chili oil, this creamy pasta dish is quick to prepare and indulgent enough for special occasions.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce Base
- 8 oz dry thin spaghetti Can use whole grain or gluten-free spaghetti if desired.
- 1 large white onion, thinly sliced Sweet onions work best for caramelization.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
Seasonings and Condiments
- 1-2 tablespoons chili crisp Adjust to taste for heat preference.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
Creamy Mixture
- ½ cup half and half Coconut milk can be used for dairy-free.
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan
Garnish
- Fresh parsley For garnish.
- Additional chili crisp For serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large skillet over medium-low heat, add olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring frequently, for about 20 minutes until soft and lightly caramelized.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
Cooking
- To the skillet with onions, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the chili crisp, soy sauce, and honey until combined.
- Reduce the heat to low and pour in the half and half. Add paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until fully coated. Add reserved pasta water only if needed to loosen the sauce.
Serving
- Garnish with extra chili crisp oil and fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop adding a splash of water or half and half to revive the creamy sauce.