Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil

Ingredients

• 8 oz dry thin spaghetti
• 1 large white onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
• 4 cloves garlic (pressed or minced)
• 1-2 tablespoon chili crisp (plus more for serving (depending on your heat preference))
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ⅔ cup half and half (coconut milk can be used for dairy free)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan
• fresh parsley (for garnish)

Method

1. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onion and cook, stirring often, about 20 minutes until soft and caramelized.
2. Meanwhile, boil salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
3. Add remaining butter and garlic to the onions; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in chili crisp, soy sauce, and honey.
5. Lower heat, pour in half and half, and add paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Simmer about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Stir in parmesan until melted and smooth.
7. Toss cooked pasta in the sauce until coated, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen.
8. Garnish with extra chili crisp oil and parsley before serving.