Sweet Heat Caramelized Onion Fettuccine (Printable version)
Rich fettuccine with golden caramelized onions, creamy sauce, and touch of spicy heat.
# Ingredient list:
→ Pasta
01 - 14 oz fettuccine
→ Caramelized Onions
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
04 - 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
05 - 2 tbsp brown sugar
06 - 1 tsp salt
→ Sweet Heat Sauce
07 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 red chili pepper, finely chopped, seeds removed
09 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
10 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
11 - 1 tbsp honey
12 - 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
13 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Garnish
14 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
15 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese for serving
# Directions:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
02 - Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and salt. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions soften and begin to brown.
03 - Sprinkle brown sugar over onions. Continue cooking for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently, until onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown.
04 - Stir in minced garlic and chopped red chili pepper. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
05 - Add honey, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
06 - Add cooked fettuccine to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat. Add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until sauce reaches desired consistency.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The onions transform into something candy sweet and deeply savory
- That unexpected hit of spice cuts through the richness perfectly
02 -
- Caramelized onions cannot be rushed so give them the full 30 minutes they need
- The pasta water is crucial for achieving that silky restaurant style sauce consistency
03 -
- Slice onions as thinly and uniformly as possible for even cooking
- Use a wider skillet so onions caramelize rather than steam