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Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Crisp

Close-up of a bowl of creamy caramelized onion pasta topped with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes.
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Make this deeply flavorful, comforting pasta dish featuring sweet caramelized onions and a kick of chili crisp. It is easy to prepare for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound pasta (spaghetti or linguine recommended)
  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for water
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine or vegetable broth
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk for a plant-based option
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 2 tablespoons chili crisp or chili oil, plus more for drizzling
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Place the sliced onions, butter or oil, salt, and pepper in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring every 5 to 10 minutes, for 30 to 40 minutes until the onions are deep golden brown and sweet. Do not rush this step; low and slow heat develops the flavor.
  2. While the onions caramelize, cook the pasta according to package directions in heavily salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
  3. Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the white wine or broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it reduce by half, about 2 minutes.
  5. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and Parmesan cheese until a smooth sauce forms. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, a splash at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
  6. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat every strand.
  7. Stir in the chili crisp or chili oil. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Drizzle with more chili oil for extra heat.

Notes

  • For the deepest flavor, use sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla.
  • If you prefer a less spicy dish, reduce the amount of chili crisp or omit it entirely.
  • This recipe works well with added protein like grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerycommand.com/caramelized-onion-pasta-recipe/