Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil Recipe
A flavorful and comforting Caramelized Onion Pasta tossed with a fragrant homemade chili oil, combining the sweetness of slow-cooked onions with the spicy kick of chili flakes. This easy-to-make pasta dish is perfect for a delicious weeknight meal or a cozy dinner, garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese for added richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz (340g) pasta of your choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne works well)
- Salt (for boiling pasta water)
Caramelized Onions
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to help caramelize)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Chilli Oil
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili flakes (adjust based on preferred spice level)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Garnishes (Optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Extra chili oil
Instructions
- Cook the Onions: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally to help the onions cook evenly without burning.
- Caramelize the Onions: Sprinkle the optional sugar over the onions to aid caramelization. Continue cooking the onions for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn a deep golden-brown color. This slow cooking process brings out their natural sweetness and rich flavor. Set aside once done.
- Prepare the Chilli Oil: In a small saucepan, heat 1/4 cup olive oil over low to medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chili flakes. Stir occasionally to infuse the oil with flavors for about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Finish the Chilli Oil: Add the smoked paprika (if using) and salt to the oil mixture. Stir well to combine, then remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain Pasta: Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water to help loosen the sauce later if needed.
- Combine Pasta with Onions: Return to the skillet used for cooking the onions, add the cooked pasta, and toss to combine with the caramelized onions. If the mixture seems dry, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a cohesive sauce coating the pasta evenly.
- Add Chilli Oil: Pour the prepared chili oil over the pasta and toss again thoroughly, ensuring every strand or piece is coated in the spicy, flavorful oil.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Drizzle extra chili oil over the top for additional heat and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Cooking the onions slowly at a low temperature is key to achieving perfect caramelization and deep flavor.
- The chili oil can be adjusted in spice level by modifying the amount of chili flakes used.
- Reserved pasta water helps bind the oil and onions to the pasta, giving it a silky texture.
- Parmesan cheese can be omitted for a vegan version or replaced with nutritional yeast.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread.
Keywords: caramelized onion pasta, chili oil pasta, spicy pasta recipe, easy pasta dishes, vegetarian pasta, Italian pasta recipe
