Caramelized Onion & Garlic Spaghetti

Ingredients

• 1 large onion (thinly sliced)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced; use fresh garlic)
• 2 tbsp chili crisp
• 1 cup cream or coconut milk (room temperature)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional; the transcript describes adding a splash)
• 0.5 cup fresh Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 8 oz pasta (of your choice)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika (part of the seasonings; 1 tsp each)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (part of the seasonings; 1 tsp each)
• 1 tsp salt (part of the seasonings; 1 tsp each, plus additional salt for the pasta water)
• 1 tsp black pepper (part of the seasonings; 1 tsp each)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (part of the seasonings; 1 tsp each)
• water (for boiling the pasta and loosening the sauce; use a splash if the onions stick and reserve some pasta water)
• fresh parsley (optional, for sprinkling)

Steps

1. 1

   Thinly slice the onion and mince the fresh garlic. Measure out the paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Bring the cream or coconut milk to room temperature.

2. 2

   Heat the butter and olive oil together in a large skillet over medium heat.

3. 3

   Add the sliced onion to the skillet. Cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is golden and jammy. If it begins to stick, add a splash of water.

4. 4

   While the onions caramelize, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain, reserving some of the pasta water for the sauce.

5. 5

   When the onions are deeply golden, add the minced garlic and all of the measured seasonings. Stir and cook for about 1 minute, allowing the garlic and spices to bloom.

6. 6

   Add the chili crisp and sauté for 1 minute.

7. 7

   Add the cream or coconut milk and the optional soy sauce. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes.

8. 8

   Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until incorporated into the sauce.

9. 9

   Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce, aiming for a silky rather than sticky consistency.

10. 10

    Serve hot, topped with an extra spoonful of chili crisp for additional heat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

The source does not specify an exact amount of reserved pasta water or a precise simmering time. The dish is suggested with chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Use either cream or coconut milk according to preference.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• pasta
• Italian-inspired
• vegetarian
• comfort food
• stovetop
• spicy
• quick meal