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Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil Recipe

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3.9 from 74 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil is a flavorful and comforting dish combining sweet, slow-cooked onions with a spicy, aromatic chili oil. The pasta is tossed with deeply caramelized onions and finished with a vibrant chili oil infusion, yielding a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory notes. It’s simple to make yet delightfully delicious, ideal for a cozy weeknight meal.

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

  1. Cook the Onions: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  2. Caramelize the Onions: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon sugar over the onions to aid caramelization if using. Continue cooking the onions for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until they reach a deep golden-brown color and develop a rich, sweet flavor. Set aside once done.
  3. Prepare the Chilli Oil: In a small saucepan, heat 1/4 cup olive oil over low to medium heat. Add minced garlic and 1 tablespoon chili flakes. Let the garlic infuse into the oil while stirring occasionally for about 1-2 minutes, making sure not to burn the garlic.
  4. Season the Chilli Oil: Add 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the chili oil, stir to combine, then remove from heat and set aside.
  5. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
  6. Combine Pasta and Onions: In the skillet used for caramelizing onions, add the cooked pasta and toss to combine with the caramelized onions. Add reserved pasta water as needed to help the ingredients adhere to the pasta evenly.
  7. Add Chilli Oil: Pour the prepared chili oil over the pasta and toss again thoroughly to ensure all the pasta is coated with the spicy, aromatic oil.
  8. Serve and Garnish: Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Drizzle with extra chili oil for added heat and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Cooking onions low and slow is key to achieving deep caramelization and sweetness.
  • Adjust chili flakes quantity to match your preferred spice level.
  • Reserving pasta cooking water helps to create a silky sauce that binds the pasta and toppings.
  • Parmesan cheese is optional and can be omitted for a vegan-friendly dish.
  • This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or crusty bread.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

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Find it online: https://ascookasyoucan.com/caramelized-onion-pasta-with-chili-oil-recipe/