Description
This Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring sweet, deeply caramelized onions combined with a spicy, aromatic chili oil. The pasta is tossed in this vibrant mixture, creating a perfect balance of savory sweetness and heat. Garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan, it makes an easy yet impressive meal for any occasion.
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
Chili 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
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Extra chili oil
Instructions
- Cook the Caramelized Onions: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally to cook the onions evenly. Sprinkle sugar if using to help with caramelization. Cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until they turn a deep golden-brown color, then set aside.
- Prepare the Chili Oil: In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over low to medium heat. Add minced garlic and chili flakes. Let the garlic infuse for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally and being careful not to burn the garlic. Add smoked paprika and salt, stir to combine, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
- Combine Pasta and Onions: In the skillet used for the onions, add the cooked pasta and toss to combine with the caramelized onions. Add reserved pasta water as needed to coat the pasta evenly.
- Add Chili Oil and Toss: Pour the prepared chili oil over the pasta and toss well until all the pasta is coated with the spicy oil.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the pasta, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Drizzle with extra chili oil for added spice, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Cooking the onions slowly is key for deep caramelization and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes to control spice level in the chili oil.
- Reserving pasta water helps bind the sauce and pasta together.
- Parmesan cheese can be omitted for a vegan version.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free if needed.
