Caramelized Onion and Garlic Spaghetti
Serves 1
Directions
- 1Add butter and olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium heat.
- 2Add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet and let them caramelize for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and jammy. If they start sticking, add a splash of water.
- 3While the onions caramelize, boil a pot of salted water and cook your pasta of choice until al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water.
- 4Once onions are deeply golden, stir in minced garlic and seasonings (paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning). Let it bloom for a minute.
- 5Add chili crisp and saute for another minute.
- 6Pour in cream or coconut milk and let it simmer for a few minutes.
- 7Add grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir.
- 8Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
- 9If the sauce is too thick, use reserved pasta water to loosen it to a silky consistency.
- 10Serve hot with an extra spoon of chili crisp and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
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, grated
- 8 oz pasta of your choice
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- sprinkle fresh parsley
Equipment
large skilletpotgrater
Tips
- Best served with chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Save pasta water for thinning the sauce.
- Add extra chili crisp on top for a spicy kick.
- Use fresh garlic.
- Bring cream or coconut milk to room temperature beforehand for a better sauce consistency.
- If onions start sticking while caramelizing, add a splash of water.
- Cook pasta until al dente.
- For silky sauce, not sticky, use reserved pasta water to loosen it up if too thick.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you're feeling fancy for a finishing touch.
- Be sure to caramelize onions until golden and jammy, around 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Let the garlic and seasonings bloom for a minute, then add the chili crisp and saute for another minute before adding the cream/coconut milk.
- Let the sauce simmer and get cozy for a few minutes before adding the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Toss pasta to coat in the sauce well.
- Ensure that all ingredients for the seasonings are ready before starting to cook to make the process easier.
- The pasta water is liquid gold and crucial for getting the right sauce consistency so don't forget to save it before draining the pasta after cooking it to al dente.
- The amount of salt for the pasta water should be enough to season it nicely, making the pasta tasty and preventing it from being bland when mixed with the sauce later on.
- The soy sauce is an optional ingredient to enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish, adding a savory depth to the sauce. Consider adding it to further elevate the dish.
- When slicing the onion, it is important to slice it thinly so it can caramelize evenly and become soft and jammy, contributing to the desired texture and flavor of the sauce.
- When mincing the garlic, make sure it is finely minced for a more potent flavor and to prevent large chunks in the sauce. This will also help it to blend into the sauce more seamlessly.
- After adding the cream or coconut milk, letting it simmer will allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken to the correct consistency.
- Adding the grated Parmesan cheese at the end helps to thicken the sauce and add a creamy, salty, umami flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
- Stirring the onions occasionally while they caramelize will prevent them from burning and ensure even caramelization, leading to a richer and more delicious sauce.
- Adding the pasta to the sauce and tossing it ensures that every strand is coated, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors of the sauce and making the dish more flavorful and enjoyable overall.
- The final step of serving the dish hot with extra chili crisp and fresh parsley will add a spicy kick and freshness, enhancing the overall presentation and taste. This step is important for a complete dining experience.
- This recipe is simple to make and is a great option for an easy dinner, delivering on taste without requiring much effort. It’s perfect for a satisfying meal after a long day.
- The caramelized onions provide a deep, sweet, and savory base to the sauce, which makes them the star of the dish. This provides a rich and complex flavor that makes the dish stand out.
- The combination of the caramelized onions, garlic, and chili crisp makes the sauce flavorful and dynamic. This mix of ingredients creates a balanced and exciting taste.
- This dish is versatile and can be customized with additional ingredients like protein or vegetables, allowing for a variety of meal options. It is perfect for those who want to experiment with different flavors and textures.
- The dish offers a balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes, making it appealing to a wide range of palates. This balance ensures that the dish is not too overwhelming in any one flavor, but instead provides a harmonious blend of tastes.
- The use of cream or coconut milk gives the sauce a creamy texture, making it smooth and comforting. This creaminess adds to the overall indulgence of the dish, making it a truly satisfying meal.
- The overall simplicity of the recipe allows for easy preparation, even for beginner cooks. This makes it a great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
- The recipe offers a sophisticated flavor profile that tastes like it took much longer to make, making it perfect for impressing guests or simply enjoying a luxurious meal at home. The rich flavors and textures elevate the dish beyond a simple pasta dish.
- This recipe is a comforting meal that provides a sense of warmth and satisfaction, making it a perfect dish for colder weather or when you're looking for something hearty and fulfilling. It's a dish that warms you from the inside out.
- The dish is perfect for a cozy night in, as it is both easy to prepare and incredibly flavorful. It provides a comforting and enjoyable dining experience for anyone looking to relax and unwind.
- This dish is a great way to use up ingredients you might already have in your pantry, making it a practical and cost-effective meal option. It's a great choice for those looking to cook on a budget.
- The recipe is flexible, allowing for adjustments to suit individual preferences, such as adding more or less spice, or incorporating different vegetables. This adaptability makes it a versatile dish for any palate.
- This dish is a crowd-pleaser, appealing to both adults and children with its rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. It's a great option for family dinners.
- The dish can be easily scaled up or down, making it suitable for serving a single person or a larger group. This flexibility is great for meal planning and entertaining.