Name: Caramelized Onion and Garlic Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz spaghetti; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion, thinly sliced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp crushed red pepper; 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste; 1 tsp black pepper, plus more to taste; 1 green onion, chopped; Grated parmesan cheese; Chili oil (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 10 reviews

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If you love the cozy, soulful flavors that come from slow-cooked onions and the aromatic punch of garlic, you are going to absolutely adore this Caramelized Onion and Garlic Spaghetti Recipe. It’s a humble yet deeply satisfying dish where sweet, golden onions meld with savory garlic and a luscious creamy sauce to coat each perfectly cooked strand of spaghetti. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting friends, this recipe delivers comfort and elegance all in one simple bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a round metal pan filled with a single layer of cooked caramelized onions. The onions are in thin, uneven strips with colors ranging from glossy deep brown to amber and some lighter golden yellow pieces. The onions appear soft and shiny with a slightly sticky texture, spread unevenly but mostly covering the pan’s surface. The pan’s edges are visible with some oil spots and slight browning, all set on a white marbled textured background photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, each chosen to build layers of flavor and mood in the dish—from the buttery sweetness of caramelized onions to the gentle heat from crushed red pepper.

8oz spaghetti: The backbone of the dish, cooked al dente to hold the sauce beautifully.
2 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps caramelize the onions evenly.
2 tbsp olive oil: Provides a smooth base for sautéing the onions and garlic.
1 onion, thinly sliced: The star ingredient that transforms into sweet, golden caramelized goodness.
4 clove garlic, minced: Brings that signature savory aroma that makes the dish unforgettable.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates a silky sauce that wraps every strand of spaghetti in creamy indulgence.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: Adds a fragrant herbaceous note, rounding out the flavors.
½ tsp crushed red pepper: Gives a subtle kick, lifting the creamy texture with a little heat.
1 tsp salt, plus more to taste: Essential to enhance the natural flavors of every ingredient.
1 tsp black pepper, plus more to taste: Adds a warm, slightly spicy edge that complements the garlic.
1 green onion, chopped: For a fresh, mild onion crunch as a garnish.
Grated parmesan cheese: To finish the dish with a salty, nutty richness.
Chili oil (optional): For those who want an extra layer of smoky heat.

How to Make Caramelized Onion and Garlic Spaghetti Recipe

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Start by melting the butter over medium heat and adding the olive oil to the pan. Add the thinly sliced onions and reduce the heat to low so they slowly turn golden and soft. This step requires patience—give those onions time to develop their natural sugars, stirring occasionally, which usually takes around 30 minutes. If the onions begin sticking, a splash of water will help deglaze the pan and keep them from burning.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

While the onions work their magic, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to be coated in that amazing sauce you’ll soon create.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Build the Sauce

Once the onions are beautifully caramelized, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant—this step unlocks the rich aroma that makes garlic so irresistible. Then pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and gently bring the sauce to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly and marry the flavors.

Step 4: Toss the Spaghetti

Add the cooked spaghetti right into the pan with your sauce and toss it thoroughly so each strand is evenly coated with the creamy, aromatic goodness. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed; this is where you personalize the dish to your liking.

How to Serve Caramelized Onion and Garlic Spaghetti Recipe

A plate of spaghetti noodles sits in a white bowl on a white marbled surface, with the noodles mixed with bits of browned onions and some green onion pieces scattered on top. The noodles are coated with a light sauce that gives them a shiny appearance. A woman's hand holds a fork lifting a nest of the spaghetti, showing the mix of golden-brown onions and green onions wrapped around the noodles. In the background, there is a wedge of cheese slightly out of focus. The overall colors are warm with browns, light yellows, and fresh green accents. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finishing touches elevate this dish to next-level deliciousness. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a bit of fresh crunch and color, grate a generous amount of parmesan cheese for salty depth, and for those who love a hint of heat, a drizzle of chili oil adds a smoky spice that beautifully contrasts with the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts add texture and complement the caramelized flavors. For a heartier meal, garlic bread with a crispy crust can scoop up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this Caramelized Onion and Garlic Spaghetti Recipe in rustic bowls to highlight its hearty nature or twirl nests of pasta on the plate for a refined look. Adding freshly cracked black pepper and extra parmesan just before serving boosts the visual appeal and tempts your guests right away. You can even sprinkle toasted pine nuts for a delightful crunch and nutty dimension.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually marry more as it sits, but the pasta will soak up some of the sauce, so reheating properly is key to keeping it moist.

Freezing

This dish freezes okay, though the texture of the spaghetti may soften a bit upon thawing. If you choose to freeze, place the pasta and sauce in a freezer-safe container and keep it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta over medium-low heat in a skillet with a splash of cream or water to restore the sauce’s silky texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and heat evenly. Avoid microwaving directly as it can dry out the pasta.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta with this recipe?

Absolutely! While spaghetti works perfectly for this recipe, feel free to experiment with fettuccine, linguine, or even penne to see how the sauce clings differently.

How long does it take to caramelize onions properly?

Patience is key; the onions need about 30 minutes on low heat to develop a deep brown color and sweet flavor. Rushing this step can result in less flavor and uneven cooking.

Is the chili oil necessary to make this dish?

Chili oil is optional and just adds a nice smoky heat for those who enjoy spice. The dish tastes fantastic even without it, so you can omit it if you prefer a milder flavor.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half for a lighter option or coconut cream for a dairy-free twist, though the flavor profile will change slightly. Just be sure to adjust seasoning as needed.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, you can caramelize the onions and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Store it in the fridge and reheat gently when you’re ready to add the freshly cooked pasta, ensuring the best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Caramelized Onion and Garlic Spaghetti Recipe is a true kitchen hero that turns simple, everyday ingredients into something truly special. Its comforting creaminess balanced with sweet onions and savory garlic will quickly make it one of your go-to meals to impress both family and friends. Give this recipe a try and share the joy of effortless cooking with a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

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