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Close-up of spaghetti tossed with rich caramelized onion pasta, topped with parsley and chili flakes.

Creamy Caramelized Onion and Chili Oil Pasta


  • Author: Alexander Knight
  • Total Time: 50 min
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Make this rich and savory pasta featuring deeply caramelized onions balanced with a touch of heat from chili oil.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound spaghetti or linguine
  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for water
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chili oil or chili crisp
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)


Instructions

  1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 25 to 35 minutes until the onions are deep brown and sweet. This slow cooking develops the flavor.
  2. While onions cook, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
  3. Once onions are caramelized, reduce heat to low. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the white wine or broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it reduce for 2 minutes.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
  7. Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.
  8. Divide the pasta among bowls. Drizzle each serving with chili oil or chili crisp and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For faster caramelization, add a pinch of sugar to the onions at the beginning, but this is optional.
  • If you prefer a milder heat, stir the chili oil into the sauce before serving instead of drizzling it on top.
  • Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor in the sauce.
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 40 min
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 750
  • Sugar: 12
  • Sodium: 450
  • Fat: 38
  • Saturated Fat: 20
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15
  • Trans Fat: 1
  • Carbohydrates: 80
  • Fiber: 4
  • Protein: 25
  • Cholesterol: 95
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