1Slice your onion, mince the garlic, and measure out all the seasonings. Bring a cup of cream or coconut milk to room temperature.
2Heat 2 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3Add in the onions and let them caramelize for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden and jammy. Add a splash of water if they start sticking.
4While onions are caramelizing, boil a pot of salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Drain, saving some pasta water.
5When the onions are deeply golden, stir in minced garlic and all seasonings. Let it bloom for a minute.
6Add the chili crisp and saute for a minute.
7Pour in the cream or coconut milk. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
8Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir.
9Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
10Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it's too thick, aiming for a silky consistency.
11Serve hot with an extra spoon of chili crisp on top and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.
Ingredients
1 large onion
4 garlic cloves
2 tbsp chili crisp
1 cup cream or coconut milk
1 tbsp soy sauce
0.5 cup fresh Parmesan cheese
8 oz pasta
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Equipment
large skilletpot
Tips
Best served with with chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Save some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it's too thick, aiming for a silky consistency.
Use fresh garlic.
Add an extra spoon of chili crisp on top for a spicy kick.
Sprinkle fresh parsley for garnish if desired.
If onions start sticking while caramelizing, add a splash of water.
Bring cream or coconut milk to room temperature before adding to the sauce.
Boil pasta until al dente.
Let minced garlic and seasonings bloom for a minute before adding chili crisp.
Let the cream or coconut milk simmer and get cozy for a few minutes before adding grated Parmesan cheese.
Ensure pasta is coated in the sauce by tossing well.
Keep the total preparation time and cooking time in mind for planning the meal.
Consider adding other ingredients like protein or vegetables to enhance the meal.
Adjust seasoning to taste.
Ensure the skillet is large enough to comfortably cook and mix all ingredients.
Monitor heat closely to prevent burning, especially when caramelizing onions and blooming spices.
When cooking pasta, ensure the water is sufficiently salted for flavor.
The texture of the sauce should be silky, not sticky, adjust with pasta water as needed.
The recipe is designed for minimal effort and maximum comfort.
The dish aims for a balance of sweet, savory, and a little spicy notes.
Caramelizing onions properly is key to the flavor.
Mixing the pasta directly into the sauce helps it absorb flavor better.
Grating fresh Parmesan directly into the sauce contributes to a richer flavor and texture.
Using room temperature cream helps prevent curdling and promotes smoother sauce consistency.
The 'blooming' of spices helps release their full flavor.
The chili crisp adds both flavor and texture to the dish.
The addition of butter and olive oil for cooking the onions provides a rich base.
The combination of Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper forms a balanced flavor profile.
This is part of a series of 'dinners you'll actually make' showcasing practical and delicious meals.
The recipe highlights the ease and comfort of the dish.
The final appearance should be inviting and flavorful, ready to be enjoyed immediately after preparation.
The recipe encourages personalization with additional toppings like parsley.
Understanding the cooking stages like 'al dente' for pasta is important for optimal results.
The use of 'liquid gold' or reserved pasta water is a common technique to improve sauce consistency and flavor.
The recipe provides flexibility with cream or coconut milk options, catering to different dietary preferences.
The process involves building layers of flavor, starting with caramelized onions and building up to the creamy, spicy sauce.