Easy Caramelised Onion Garlic Butter Pasta
This caramelised onion garlic butter pasta is rich, silky, and full of flavour. Slowly caramelised onions are combined with garlic, cream, Parmesan, and a touch of chilli crisp oil to create a sauce that clings perfectly to pasta. Using simple ingredients and just 30 minutes of cooking time, this recipe delivers a comforting, restaurant-quality dish that’s approachable for any skill level. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want something satisfying without the fuss.
Caramelised Onion Garlic Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp (14g) - Unsalted Butter
- 1 Tbsp (20ml) - Olive Oil
- 1 - Brown (Yellow) Onion, Thinly Sliced
- 6 - Garlic Cloves, Minced
- ¼ Cup (60ml) - Dry White Wine, Vegetable or Chicken Stock
- 1 tsp (4g) - Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp (4g) - Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp (2g) - Dried Italian Herbs
- 1 Cup (250ml) - Thickened Cream
- 2 Tbsp (30g) - Chilli Crisp Oil (Optional)
- 2 tsp (10ml) - Low Sodium Soy Sauce
- Parmesan Cheese To Taste (Roughly 50g-1.7oz)
- 300g (10.5oz) - Pasta of Choice
- Flat Leaf Parsley, Roughly Chopped
- Seasoning To Taste
Method
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter and olive oil. Add the sliced onion with a pinch of salt and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and jammy. If they begin to stick, deglaze with a splash of water, stock, or wine.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, and dried Italian herbs, and cook for an additional minute to allow the spices to bloom. Deglaze with the white wine (or stock) and reduce by about half.
- Pour in the cream, then add the chilli crisp oil and soy sauce. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Meanwhile, cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Add the pasta to the sauce along with Parmesan and some of the chopped parsley. Toss until the pasta is coated, loosening with splashes of pasta water if needed.
- Season to taste and serve with more Parmesan, the remaining parsley, and extra chilli crisp oil if desired.
The above nutrition guide is based on daily averages and is calculated for a single portion.
Recipe Notes
Storage Instructions
Fridge
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
This pasta isn’t ideal for freezing as the cream sauce can split, but it can be frozen for up to 1 month if needed. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water, milk, or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir until hot and silky again.
Watch How To Make The Recipe
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