Description

This Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil is a luscious and flavorful dish featuring sweet, slowly caramelized onions, a silky, creamy sauce infused with garlic and chili crisp for a perfect balance of heat and richness. The pasta is tossed to perfection in a savory blend of soy sauce, honey, paprika, and parmesan, making it a comforting yet exciting meal with a subtle spicy kick.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 oz dry thin spaghetti

Caramelized Onions & Sauce

1 large white onion, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 tablespoons butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
1–2 tablespoons chili crisp (plus more for serving, depending on heat preference)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
⅔ cup half and half (can substitute with coconut milk for dairy-free)
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the thinly sliced onion and cook, stirring frequently, for about 20 minutes until the onions are soft and lightly caramelized, developing a deep, sweet flavor.
Cook the Pasta: While the onions cook, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
Sauté Garlic and Add Remaining Butter: To the caramelized onions in the skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Add Flavorings: Stir in the chili crisp, soy sauce, and honey until all ingredients are well combined, letting the mixture meld together for a minute.
Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the half and half (or coconut milk). Add paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it slightly thickens.
Melt in Parmesan: Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until it melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy sauce.
Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen it to your desired consistency.
Serve and Garnish: Plate the pasta and garnish with a drizzle of extra chili crisp oil and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant finish. Serve immediately.

Notes

Caramelizing onions slowly over medium-low heat develops the best flavor without burning.
Adjust the amount of chili crisp to control the heat level according to your preference.
For a dairy-free version, substitute half and half with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast.
Reserve pasta water carefully, as it helps loosen the sauce while maintaining creaminess due to its starch content.
Use freshly grated parmesan for best melting and flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Pasta
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Keywords: caramelized onion pasta, chili oil pasta, creamy pasta, spicy pasta, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, vegetarian pasta