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Quick Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Crisp

Close-up of a white bowl filled with spaghetti tossed in sauce and topped generously with caramelized onion pasta and fresh parsley.
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Make a rich, savory, and slightly spicy pasta dish by slow-cooking onions until sweet and combining them with a creamy sauce base and chili crisp.

Ingredients

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  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter (or vegan butter)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 pound pasta (e.g., spaghetti or linguine)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast)
  • 2 tablespoons chili crisp (or chili oil)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions, salt, and pepper. Cook slowly, stirring every 5-10 minutes, for 30 to 40 minutes until the onions are deep brown and sweet. Do not rush this step.
  2. While the onions caramelize, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve at least 1/2 cup of the starchy cooking water before draining.
  3. Once onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the white wine or broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it reduce by half, about 2 minutes.
  5. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and let it warm through for 2 minutes.
  6. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the onion sauce. Toss to coat.
  7. Stir in the Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast) and gradually add the reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired creamy consistency.
  8. Serve immediately. Top each portion with a drizzle of chili crisp and fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, ensure your onions are deeply browned; this process builds the sweet base of the sauce.
  • If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend half of the caramelized onions with the cream before adding them back to the pasta.
  • Adjust the amount of chili crisp based on your preference for heat.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesfleet.com/caramelized-onion-pasta-recipe-quick-creamy/