Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil Recipe
A deliciously rich and flavorful Caramelized Onion Pasta topped with spicy homemade chilli oil. This simple yet elegant pasta dish features sweet, slow-cooked onions combined with perfectly cooked pasta and a fiery chili-infused olive oil, making it a comforting and satisfying meal with a hint of heat.
- 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
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Extra chili oil
Instructions
- Cook the 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 ensure even cooking.
- Caramelize the Onions: Sprinkle sugar if using, to enhance caramelization. Cook the onions slowly for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn a deep golden-brown color and develop a sweet, rich flavor. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Chilli Oil: In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over low to medium heat. Add minced garlic and chili flakes. Let the garlic infuse the oil for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally—take care not to burn the garlic.
- Finish Chilli Oil: Stir in smoked paprika and salt. Remove from heat and set aside to cool and infuse further.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Reserve half a cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Combine pasta and onions: Return the skillet with caramelized onions to medium heat. Add the drained pasta and toss well to combine. If the mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water gradually to help coat and loosen the pasta.
- Add Chilli Oil: Pour the prepared chilli oil over the pasta-onion mixture. Toss thoroughly to evenly distribute the spicy, flavorful oil throughout the dish.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Drizzle with additional chilli oil for extra heat if preferred. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Cooking onions low and slow is key to achieving the perfect caramelization and depth of flavor.
- Adjust chili flakes in the oil according to your preferred spice level.
- Reserve pasta water to help bind the sauce and pasta; it adds flavor and texture.
- Using butter along with olive oil adds richness to the caramelized onions.
- Smoked paprika is optional but adds a lovely smoky dimension to the chili oil.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread.
Keywords: Caramelized Onion Pasta, Chili Oil Pasta, Spicy Pasta, Vegetarian Pasta, Easy Italian Recipe
