Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil Recipe

Introduction

Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil combines the rich sweetness of slow-cooked onions with a bold, spicy kick. This dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and comforting textures, making it a delicious and satisfying meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or linguine)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing onions and garlic)
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (for chili oil)
• 1 tablespoon red chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 small garlic clove, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnishing
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnishing
• Extra chili flakes (optional, for added heat)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Thinly slice the onion into even rings. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions with a pinch of salt and stir occasionally. Cook slowly for 25-30 minutes until golden and soft.
2. Step 2: Five minutes before the onions are done, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.
3. Step 3: In a small saucepan, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
4. Step 4: Stir in red chili flakes and paprika, cooking for 2-3 minutes until aromatic. Add soy sauce, stir well, and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. Step 5: While onions caramelize, cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
6. Step 6: Combine cooked pasta with caramelized onions, stirring to coat evenly. Drizzle chili oil over and toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed for a glossy sauce.
7. Step 7: Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil or parsley, and extra chili flakes if desired. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Be patient when caramelizing onions; slow cooking develops their full sweetness.
• Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor in both pasta and chili oil.
• Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it bind to the noodles.
• Adjust chili flakes to control spiciness, or add a little honey to balance heat with sweetness.
• Add sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra texture and nutrition.
• Make it vegan by omitting Parmesan or using a plant-based alternative.
• Include grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added protein.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil to restore the sauce’s consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, this dish works well with most pasta shapes. Long noodles like spaghetti or linguine are traditional, but penne or fusilli also hold the sauce nicely.

How spicy is the chili oil, and can I adjust it?

The chili oil has a noticeable heat from the red chili flakes, but you can easily adjust the spice level by using less chili flakes for a milder flavor or adding more for extra heat.

Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 87 reviews

• Author: Harper
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil is a flavorful dish that combines the deep sweetness of slow-cooked onions with the bold spiciness of homemade chili oil. Tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and garnished with Parmesan and fresh herbs, this dish offers a comforting yet exciting balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Ideal for a cozy dinner or meal prep, it’s simple to make, versatile, and satisfies a range of palates.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or linguine)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Chili Oil:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
• 1 tablespoon red chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 small garlic clove, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce

For Garnishing:

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• Extra chili flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions: Thinly slice the onion into even rings for uniform cooking. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions with a pinch of salt and sauté, stirring occasionally every 5-7 minutes for 25-30 minutes, until golden and soft. About 5 minutes before finishing, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then set aside.
2. Make the Chili Oil: Warm 3 tablespoons olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes without browning. Stir in red chili flakes and paprika, cooking for 2-3 minutes so the spices infuse the oil. Add 1 teaspoon soy sauce, stir and simmer for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
4. Combine Pasta and Onions: Toss the cooked pasta with caramelized onions, ensuring an even coating. Drizzle the chili oil over the mixture and toss well to combine. If the pasta looks dry, gradually add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and create a silky texture.
5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese generously over the pasta. Add chopped fresh basil or parsley for freshness and color. For extra heat, optionally sprinkle more chili flakes on top. Serve immediately while hot, ideally with a side salad or protein of choice.

Notes

• Be patient when caramelizing onions; slow cooking is essential for deep sweetness.
• Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor in both pasta and chili oil.
• Always reserve pasta water to help create a smooth, cohesive sauce.
• Adjust chili flakes to suit your preferred spice level; add honey to chili oil if you prefer a touch of sweetness.
• This recipe keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days, making it great for meal prep.
• To make vegan, omit Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative and ensure no butter is used in chili oil preparation.
• Feel free to add sautéed vegetables or protein such as grilled chicken or shrimp for variation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Keywords: caramelized onion pasta, chili oil pasta, spicy pasta, vegetarian pasta, comfort food, pasta recipe, easy dinner