Sweet Heat Caramelized Onion Fettuccine (Print)
Creamy fettuccine with caramelized onions, honey, and chili peppers creates a perfectly balanced sweet and spicy pasta dish.
# What You Need:
→ 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 for less heat
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
# How to Make:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add fettuccine and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining thoroughly.
02 - Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes until onions soften and begin to turn golden.
03 - Sprinkle brown sugar over the onions. Continue cooking, stirring frequently to prevent burning, for 15-20 minutes until onions reach a deep, rich caramel color and jam-like consistency.
04 - Add minced garlic and chopped red chili pepper to the caramelized onions. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
05 - Pour in heavy cream and add honey, grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce slightly thickens and cheese melts.
06 - Add drained fettuccine to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat noodles with sauce. Add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time as needed to achieve silky, clinging consistency.
07 - Taste the dish and adjust salt or pepper if desired. Plate immediately, sprinkling generously with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The way sweet caramelized onions dance with spicy heat creates something you will crave on cold nights and rainy afternoons alike
- This pasta manages to feel fancy enough for date night while being comforting enough for solo Netflix binges
02 -
- Rushing the caramelization process is the biggest mistake you can make with this recipe
- Onions will look like they are burning at some point but they are just developing that deep flavor we are after
03 -
- Thinly slice your onions as uniformly as possible for even cooking
- Save extra pasta water just in case your sauce needs loosening