Caramelized Onion Pasta

Name: Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Crisp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 large onions, thinly sliced; water, as needed; 8 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning; 2 tbsp chili crisp; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 lb spaghetti, cooked; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; Extra chili crisp, for garnish; Extra Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Caramelized Onion Pasta is a deeply savory, creamy one-pan dish built on slow-cooked sweet onions and garlic with a chili crisp kick. It's an affordable, weeknight-friendly pasta that delivers restaurant-quality depth with minimal effort.

🌍American 🏷️Caramelized onion 🏷️Pasta 🏷️Weeknight dinner 🏷️Comfort food Creamy pasta

🏷️

🏷️Chili crisp

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TikTok

Total

35 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Medium

Est. Cost

$31–$51

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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TikTok

Ingredients

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp olive oil
2 large onions, thinly sliced
water, as needed
8 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
2 tbsp chili crisp
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 lb spaghetti, cooked
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Extra chili crisp, for garnishoptional
Extra Parmesan cheese, for garnishoptional

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Instructions

1
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the butter and olive oil.
2
Add the thinly sliced onions and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Add small splashes of water as needed to deglaze the pan and prevent burning as the onions caramelize.
3
Once the onions are deeply caramelized and jammy, add the minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4
Stir in the chili crisp and cook for another minute.
5
Pour in the heavy cream and add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce comes together.
6
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the sauce.
7
Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
8
Serve immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese and chili crisp if desired.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Don't rush caramelization: medium heat and frequent stirring yield the deepest flavor. Burnt onions taste bitter; golden and jammy is the target.
Add water in small splashes as onions cook to lift fond from the pan and prevent sticking without steaming them.
Finish with chili crisp off heat to preserve its texture and bright chile flavor—it softens if cooked directly into the sauce.
Cook pasta 1–2 minutes under the box recommendation (reserve starchy water) so it finishes in the sauce and absorbs caramelized-onion flavor.

Substitutions

Butter → ghee or additional olive oil (same ratio, nutty flavor boost)
Dried Italian seasoning → fresh thyme or oregano (1 tsp fresh = ½ tsp dried; add near the end)
Chili crisp → red pepper flakes or hot sauce (adjust quantity; flavor will shift from textured to liquid)

Storage & make-ahead

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to restore creaminess. Store pasta and sauce separately if making ahead.

Common Questions

How long does it take to caramelize the onions?

Typically 25–35 minutes over medium to medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. The onions should be deep golden-brown and very soft. Patience here is the key to flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Caramelize the onions and garlic up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. Reheat gently on the stovetop, then cook the pasta fresh and combine just before serving.

What can I substitute for chili crisp?

Red pepper flakes, sriracha, hot sauce, or crushed red chilies work well. Adjust quantity to taste; chili crisp adds both heat and textured richness.

Is this vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian. Use vegetable broth or water when building the sauce, and ensure your pasta and any additions are meat-free.

How do I prevent the onions from burning?

Stir frequently and lower heat if the edges brown too quickly. A splash of water deglazes the pan and lifts caramelized bits without burning them further.