Description
Creamy caramelized onion pasta with chilli oil brings comfort and bold flavors to weeknight dinners. Rich Italian-inspired ingredients blend perfectly, creating a simple yet sophisticated meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 2 servings spaghetti (or pasta of choice)
Protein and Dairy:
- 1/2 cup cream
- Parmesan cheese (amount as desired)
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 3–4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1–2 teaspoons salt
Oils and Condiments:
- 2 tablespoons chili oil
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil, adding two teaspoons of salt for enhanced flavor.
- Submerge spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- Carefully extract 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water before draining the noodles, then set pasta aside.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, ensuring the pan is evenly heated.
- Introduce sliced red onions to the pan, allowing them to caramelize for 6-7 minutes while gently stirring, developing a rich golden-brown color.
- Incorporate minced garlic into the onion mixture, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until aromatic and slightly softened.
- Drizzle chili oil and pour cream into the pan, whisking thoroughly to create a smooth, unified sauce.
- Enhance the sauce with Italian seasoning, salt, and optional Parmesan cheese for depth of flavor.
- Transfer cooked spaghetti into the skillet, meticulously coating each strand with the creamy sauce.
- Adjust sauce consistency by adding reserved pasta water if needed, ensuring a silky texture.
- Finish the dish by garnishing with fresh chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese for a vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Slice onions uniformly to ensure even caramelization and golden-brown color without burning.
- Use low to medium heat when caramelizing onions to develop deep, sweet flavor without scorching.
- Keep pasta water starchy and salty, which helps create a silky sauce and enhances overall dish flavor.
- Adjust chili oil quantity based on personal spice tolerance for customized heat level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg