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This pasta highlights the deep sweetness of slowly caramelized onions paired with a creamy sauce and a touch of chili oil for warmth. It comes together quickly and uses simple ingredients for a cozy meal any night of the week.
I made this dish for the first time on a busy weeknight and was amazed at how much flavor developed with so few ingredients. It quickly became a favorite in my home.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: adds a smooth base and helps caramelize onions
- Spaghetti: is the classic pasta choice that holds the sauce well
- Unsalted butter: enriches the sauce and aids in caramelization
- Yellow onions: provide natural sweetness and depth when caramelized
- Chili oil: adds subtle heat and complexity
- Heavy cream: creates a luscious, smooth sauce
- Parsley: brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes
- Garlic powder: enhances umami and rounds out flavors
- Salt and pepper: balance and bring all elements together
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Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the Onions:
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over low to medium heat. Add thinly sliced onions and cook slowly for about 20 minutes stirring occasionally until they turn deep golden brown and smell sweet. This slow caramelization develops rich umami flavor.
- Add Chili Oil and Cream:
- Stir in chili oil until well combined. Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let it gently simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors into a creamy sauce.
- Cook Pasta and Combine:
- Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and add pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water and simmer on medium-high heat for a couple of minutes, stirring so the pasta absorbs the sauce evenly.
- Finish and Serve:
- Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped parsley on top. Add a teaspoon of salt, let cool for a couple of minutes, then serve and enjoy the comforting richness.
Storage Tips
Transfer cooled pasta with sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove adding a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce if needed.
Ingredient Substitutions
Olive oil can be swapped with canola or vegetable oil Butter can be replaced with margarine or vegan butter Any pasta shape works instead of spaghetti Yellow onions can be swapped with white onions or shallots Chili oil can be substituted with fresh chili peppers or hot sauce Heavy cream alternatives include half-and-half or cashew cream Parsley can be replaced with fresh cilantro or basil Garlic powder can be swapped with minced garlic or garlic paste
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Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta with a crisp green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. A light white wine pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce and caramelized onions.
My favorite part is the slow caramelization step which transforms humble onions into something magical. I remember making this for a friend who said it was the best pasta she had in years.
Recipe FAQs
- → What's the best way to caramelize onions?
Cook onions slowly over low heat in oil or butter, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and sweet, usually 20-30 minutes.
- → Do onions caramelize better with butter or oil?
Both work well; butter adds richness, oil allows higher heat without burning. Combining both enhances flavor and prevents burning.
- → Should sugar be added when caramelizing onions?
Sugar is optional and can speed up caramelization and sweetness, but onions naturally caramelize well without it.
- → How to prevent pasta from sticking in the sauce?
Reserve some pasta cooking water to add to the sauce, and stir frequently while combining pasta and sauce to keep it smooth.
- → What can substitute heavy cream in this dish?
Half-and-half, cashew cream, or coconut cream work well as dairy-free or lighter alternatives to heavy cream.