Caramelized Onion Garlic Spaghetti

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp oil
• 2 yellow onions (medium, finely sliced)
• 3 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• salt (to taste, plus a pinch for the onions and salted pasta water)
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 0.5 tsp red chili flakes
• 0.5 red chili oil (Source gives “1/2 red chili oil”; unit is unspecified)
• 1 tbsp chili oil (adjust to taste; additional drizzle for serving)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (Listed in the ingredients; the method instead says soy sauce)
• soy sauce (Named in the method, but no quantity is provided)
• 0.5 cup chicken stock
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (freshly chopped, plus extra for serving)
• lemon juice (a squeeze)
• 0.5 cup pasta water (reserve; use if needed to loosen the sauce)
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated, plus extra for serving)
• 8 oz pasta (8–10 oz is specified; spaghetti is named in the title)

Steps

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. 2

   Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente.

3. 3

   Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

4. 4

   In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the butter and oil over medium-low heat.

5. 5

   Add the sliced onion and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply golden, soft, and caramelized.

6. 6

   Add the minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds, until fragrant.

7. 7

   Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to remove the raw flour taste.

8. 8

   Add the chili oil and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

9. 9

   Pour in the chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes.

10. 10

    Stir in the heavy cream and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens.

11. 11

    Add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, red chili flakes, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the salt.

12. 12

    Add the cooked spaghetti and toss until evenly coated. If needed, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.

13. 13

    Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

14. 14

    Add the parsley and lemon juice. Taste and adjust the salt as needed.

15. 15

    Serve immediately with extra Parmesan, parsley, and a drizzle of chili oil on top.

Notes

The ingredient list specifies Worcestershire sauce, while the method specifies soy sauce; the source does not clarify whether one should replace the other or whether both are intended. The unit for “1/2 red chili oil” is also unspecified. Pasta quantity is given as a range of 8–10 oz.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• pasta
• Italian-inspired
• vegetarian except for chicken stock and Worcestershire sauce
• creamy
• spicy
• stovetop
• quick meal