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Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Crisp

A fork lifting a generous twirl of spaghetti from a bowl of rich, golden caramelized onion pasta.
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Make this deeply flavorful and comforting pasta featuring sweet caramelized onions and a kick of chili crisp. It is a quick weeknight meal that tastes gourmet.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound pasta (spaghetti or linguine recommended)
  • 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
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine or vegetable broth (optional, for deglazing)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, omit for vegan)
  • 2 tablespoons chili crisp or chili oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. Place a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the butter and olive oil. Add the sliced onions, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat.
  2. Cook the onions slowly for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring every few minutes. You want the onions to become deep brown and sweet. Do not rush this step; low and slow creates the best flavor.
  3. While the onions caramelize, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve at least 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.
  4. Once the onions are deeply caramelized, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. If using wine or broth, pour it into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it reduce for 1 minute.
  5. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the onion sauce. Toss well to coat. If the sauce seems too thick, add more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach a creamy consistency.
  7. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, if using.
  8. Divide the pasta among bowls. Top each serving with a drizzle of chili crisp or chili oil for heat and texture. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, you can add 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar along with the cream in step 5.
  • If you want to add protein, stir in cooked shredded chicken or sautéed shrimp during the last minute of tossing the pasta with the sauce.
  • This recipe is excellent for meal prepping; the sauce thickens upon cooling. Add a splash of water or milk when reheating.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbycarla.com/caramelized-onion-pasta-recipe-comfort-food/