Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil Recipe
A flavorful and comforting Caramelized Onion Pasta with a spicy kick from chili oil. This dish combines slowly caramelized onions with a creamy, savory sauce enhanced by garlic, soy sauce, honey, and spices. Perfect for a quick yet gourmet weeknight meal, it balances sweet, savory, and spicy flavors with tender spaghetti and a sprinkle of fresh parsley and parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients
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 tablespoons chili crisp, plus more for serving (adjust to heat preference)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ⅔ cup half and half (can substitute coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, add the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, for about 20 minutes until the onions become soft and lightly caramelized, bringing out their natural sweetness.
- Cook the Spaghetti: While the onions cook, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dry thin spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti thoroughly.
- Add Garlic and Butter: To the skillet with caramelized onions, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Incorporate Chili Crisp and Flavorings: Stir in the chili crisp, soy sauce, and honey. Mix until well combined to build a spicy, sweet, and savory flavor base.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the half and half (or coconut milk). Stir in paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens.
- Add Parmesan: Stir the freshly grated parmesan cheese into the sauce until melted and smooth, enriching the sauce with a creamy texture and nutty flavor.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti directly to the skillet. Toss thoroughly until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce. Use the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve the desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the pasta with extra chili crisp oil for an added spicy kick and sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, substitute half and half with coconut milk.
- Adjust the amount of chili crisp according to your preferred spice level.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without watering down flavor.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for optimal melting and flavor.
- Caramelizing onions slowly is key to developing their sweetness and depth.
