Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil Recipe
A flavorful and comforting Caramelized Onion Pasta with a spicy homemade chili oil drizzle. Sweet, deeply caramelized onions are combined with al dente pasta and topped with a fragrant chili oil infused with garlic and smoked paprika, optionally garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
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 thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Caramelize the Onions: Sprinkle sugar over the onions if using. Continue cooking the onions for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are deep golden-brown and caramelized, developing a sweet and rich flavor. Then set aside.
- Make the Chilli Oil: In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over low to medium heat. Add minced garlic and chili flakes and let the garlic infuse the oil for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally but taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Finish the Chilli Oil: Add smoked paprika and salt to the oil, stir to combine, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
- Combine Pasta and Onions: In the same skillet used for the onions, add the cooked pasta and toss with the caramelized onions. Add reserved pasta water as needed to help coat the pasta evenly.
- Add the Chilli Oil: Pour the chili oil over the pasta and toss again to ensure all strands are coated with the flavorful spicy oil.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Drizzle with extra chili oil for more spice, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Cooking onions low and slow is essential for proper caramelization and deep flavor.
- Adjust chili flakes in the oil to control heat level according to preference.
- Reserved pasta water helps create a light sauce that clings to the pasta.
- For a vegan version, omit butter and Parmesan or use vegan alternatives.
- This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or crusty bread.
Keywords: caramelized onion pasta, chili oil pasta, spicy pasta, easy pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta
