Caramelized Onion & Garlic Spaghetti

Ingredients

• 1 large onion (Thinly sliced)
• 4 garlic cloves (Minced; use fresh garlic)
• 2 tbsp butter (For cooking the onions)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (For cooking the onions)
• 8 oz pasta (Spaghetti or pasta of your choice)
• 1 tsp paprika (Seasoning)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (Seasoning)
• 1 tsp salt (Seasoning; plus enough for the pasta water)
• 1 tsp black pepper (Seasoning)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (Seasoning)
• 2 tbsp chili crisp (For the sauce; reserve an extra spoonful for serving if desired)
• 1 cup cream (Room temperature; coconut milk may be used instead)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (Optional; adds umami)
• 0.5 cup fresh Parmesan cheese (Grated)
• fresh parsley (Optional, for serving; amount not specified)
• water (A splash may be used if the onions stick, and reserved pasta water may be used to loosen the sauce; amount not specified)

Steps

1. 1

   Thinly slice the onion, mince the fresh garlic, and 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 onions are golden and jammy. If they begin to stick, add a splash of water.

4. 4

   While the onions caramelize, bring a pot of salted water to a boil.

5. 5

   Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente. Drain it, reserving some of the pasta water before draining.

6. 6

   When the onions are deeply golden, add the minced garlic and all of the measured seasonings. Stir and cook for about 1 minute, until the seasonings bloom and the garlic is fragrant.

7. 7

   Add the chili crisp and sauté for 1 minute.

8. 8

   Pour in the room-temperature cream or coconut milk. Add the optional soy sauce, if using. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes.

9. 9

   Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir it into the sauce.

10. 10

    Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until thoroughly coated. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce until it is silky rather than sticky.

11. 11

    Serve hot with an extra spoonful of chili crisp and, if desired, a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The dish may be served with chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

Notes

The source does not specify an exact amount of reserved pasta water or parsley. Coconut milk is offered as an alternative to cream, but nutrition will vary substantially depending on the choice. Best served with chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• pasta
• vegetarian
• comfort food
• stovetop
• spicy
• quick meal