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Plate of viral caramelized onion pasta topped with fresh herbs

Viral Caramelized Onion Pasta

A comforting pasta dish featuring sweet, caramelized onions and a silky cream sauce, elevated with chili crisp for a delightful kick.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Pasta
Cuisine: Comfort, Modern American
Calories: 620
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta Ingredients
  • 8 ounces Cooked Spaghetti Use your preferred pasta; cooked according to package instructions.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Substitute with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
  • ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Can be replaced with vegan grated cheese or ground cashews.
Onion Sauce Ingredients
  • 1 large White Onion, Thinly Sliced Yellow or sweet onions can be used if white is not available.
  • 4 cloves Fresh Garlic, Minced
  • 2 tablespoons Chili Crisp Oil Can replace with chili flakes and a neutral oil.
  • 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons Butter
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil

Method
 

Cooking the Onions
  1. In a large skillet, heat butter and oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook on medium-low, stirring occasionally, until deep and caramelized. If they start to stick to the pan, add a splash of water.
Cooking the Pasta
  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain when finished, reserving ¼ cup of pasta water for later use.
Finishing the Sauce
  1. Once the onions are fully caramelized, add the garlic, seasonings, chili crisp, and soy sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant.
  2. Stir in the heavy cream and return to a gentle simmer until slightly thickened.
  3. Remove from heat and add grated Parmesan cheese. Stir in the cooked pasta to coat, adding reserved pasta water to thin if needed.
  4. Top with additional chili crisp before serving if desired.

Notes

Patience is key for caramelizing onions; aim for 30-40 minutes over medium-low heat for the best flavor. Taste and adjust salt after adding cheese, as Parmesan adds salinity.