Caramelized Onion & Garlic Spaghetti

This caramelized onion and garlic spaghetti is one of those dishes that proves simple ingredients can deliver big flavor. I slowly cook down onions until they’re deeply golden and jammy, then layer in garlic so it melts into the sauce instead of overpowering it. As the pasta hits the pan, it soaks up every bit of that caramelized goodness, creating a silky, savory coating on each strand. The finished dish is rich, aromatic, and comforting, with a subtle sweetness from the onions balanced by garlic and a hint of heat. It’s the kind of spaghetti I make when I want something cozy, bold, and incredibly satisfying without relying on heavy sauces.

Why This Will Be Your New Favorite Spaghetti

This recipe hits all the right notes. It’s deeply flavorful without being heavy, simple but far from boring, and made with pantry staples you probably already have. The caramelized onions create a natural richness that feels indulgent, while the garlic adds warmth and depth. It’s versatile enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve to guests. Once you taste how luxurious spaghetti can be with just onions and garlic done right, this dish earns a permanent spot in your rotation.

Caramelized Onion & Garlic Spaghetti

This caramelized onion and garlic spaghetti is a simple yet flavor-packed pasta dish made with slow-cooked onions, fragrant garlic, and perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed until glossy and rich.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 33 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6

Ingredients

  

• 8 oz Spaghetti or pasta of your choice
• 1 large onion thinly sliced
• 4 garlic cloves minced
• 2 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoon chili crisp
• 1 cup cream or coconut milk room temperature
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce optional
• ½ cup fresh Parmesan cheese grated
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Reserved pasta water as needed
• Optional garnish: Extra chili crisp and Fresh parsley

Instructions

 

• Slice the onion thinly and mince the garlic. Measure out all seasonings. Bring the cream or coconut milk to room temperature.
• Heat the butter and olive oil together in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the sliced onions and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and jammy. If the onions start sticking, add a small splash of water and continue cooking.
• While the onions cook, bring a pot of well salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and reserve some of the pasta water.
• Once the onions are deeply caramelized, add the minced garlic and all the seasonings. Stir and let everything bloom for about 1 minute.
• Stir in the chili crisp and sauté for another minute.
• Pour in the cream or coconut milk and add the soy sauce if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes until warmed and slightly thickened.
• Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
• Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce is silky and coats the pasta without being thick or sticky.
• Serve hot. Top with an extra spoon of chili crisp and fresh parsley if desired.

Video

Recipe Tips

Take your time caramelizing the onions. Low and slow cooking is what develops their deep sweetness and gives this spaghetti its signature flavor, rushing this step will flatten the entire dish.

Keyword cowboy spaghetti, garlic spaghetti, spaghetti recipes

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