Caramelized Onion & Chili Oil Pasta

Ingredients

• 10 oz pasta (spaghetti recommended)
• 2 onions (large, thinly sliced)
• 4 tbsp chili oil (divided; 2 tbsp for sauce and 2 tbsp for garnish)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic (cloves, minced)
• 0.5 tsp salt (plus more for pasta water)
• 1.5 cup heavy whipping cream
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded or grated)
• parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Steps

1. 1

   Mince 4 cloves of garlic and thinly slice 2 large onions.

2. 2

   In a large pan over low heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter.

3. 3

   Add the sliced onions to the pan. Caramelize them on low heat, stirring frequently, for about 30 minutes. Do not rush this process. If the onions begin to burn, add a small splash of water and continue to stir. They are ready when they are soft, deep brown, and jammy.

4. 4

   While the onions are caramelizing, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente.

5. 5

   Once the onions are finished, remove them from the pan and set them aside in a bowl.

6. 6

   In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of chili oil and the minced garlic. Sauté on low heat for 15 seconds while stirring.

7. 7

   Slowly pour in 1.5 cups of heavy whipping cream while mixing constantly. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

8. 8

   Add the caramelized onions back into the pan and stir to create a silky sauce.

9. 9

   As the sauce begins to thicken on low heat, add the cooked pasta and 1/4 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese.

10. 10

    Immediately remove the pan from the heat and toss everything together quickly to ensure the cream and oil do not separate.

11. 11

    Garnish with the remaining 2 tablespoons of chili oil and chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

To prevent the sauce from breaking (separating), ensure you remove it from the heat as soon as the pasta and cheese are incorporated. The author suggests serving this with a crisp wine, cold beer, garlic bread, or a fresh salad.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• pasta
• spicy
• vegetarian
• dinner
• comfort food