Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil Recipe
This Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil is a deliciously simple yet flavorful dish combining sweet, slow-cooked onions with a vibrant, spicy chili oil. Tossed together with perfectly cooked pasta and garnished with fresh herbs and Parmesan, this recipe offers a perfect balance of sweetness, heat, and savory depth for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, linguine, or preferred shape)
- 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 recommended)
- 1 tablespoon red chili flakes (adjust to spice preference)
- 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)
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Thinly slice the onion into even rings to ensure uniform caramelization. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sprinkle with a pinch of salt to draw out moisture, and sauté, stirring occasionally. Cook the onions for 25-30 minutes until they become soft and golden brown, stirring every 5-7 minutes. About 5 minutes before they finish, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then set aside.
- Make the Chili Oil: In a small saucepan, warm 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until aromatic but not browned. Stir in 1 tablespoon of red chili flakes and 1 teaspoon of paprika, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes while stirring to infuse the oil with spice and smoky flavors. Pour in 1 teaspoon of soy sauce, stir well and let simmer for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Combine the Pasta and Onions: Toss the cooked pasta with the caramelized onions, coating the noodles evenly with the sweet onion mixture. Drizzle the prepared chili oil over the pasta and toss again to combine. If the pasta looks dry, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce and ensure an even coating.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese generously over the pasta. Add chopped fresh basil or parsley for freshness and color. Optionally, top with extra chili flakes for more heat. Serve the pasta immediately as a satisfying main course or alongside a fresh salad.
Notes
- Be patient while caramelizing the onions; this step is key to achieving the rich, sweet flavor.
- Adjust red chili flakes according to your heat preference—reduce for mild or add more for extra spice.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- If vegan, omit Parmesan cheese or substitute with vegan cheese alternatives.
- Use extra virgin olive oil for best flavor in the chili oil.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or crusty bread.
Keywords: caramelized onion pasta, chili oil pasta, spicy pasta recipe, vegetarian Italian pasta, easy pasta dishes, homemade chili oil, caramelized onions, weeknight dinner
