Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil Recipe

Introduction

Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil is a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. This dish features tender pasta coated in richly caramelized onions and a vibrant homemade chili oil, creating a perfect balance that’s sure to please any palate.

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, linguine, or your choice)
• 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 (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 small garlic clove, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Extra chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the onions by thinly slicing into even rings. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions with a pinch of salt, stirring occasionally, and cook for 25-30 minutes until golden and soft. About 5 minutes before done, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.
2. Step 2: For the chili oil, warm 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in red chili flakes and paprika, cooking for 2-3 minutes. Add soy sauce, stir well, and simmer for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Step 3: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the pasta.
4. Step 4: Toss the cooked pasta with caramelized onions until evenly coated. Drizzle the chili oil over the pasta and mix well. If needed, add reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce and help coat the noodles.
5. Step 5: Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley. Sprinkle extra chili flakes if you desire more heat. Serve immediately while hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use long pasta shapes like spaghetti or linguine for better coating with the sauce.
• Adjust the amount of chili flakes in the oil to suit your heat preference.
• For a vegan version, skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a bright, fresh contrast.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to revive the sauce and prevent drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of onions for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute yellow onions with white or sweet onions, but yellow onions provide the best balance of sweetness and flavor when caramelized.

Is it possible to make the chili oil ahead of time?

Absolutely, you can prepare the chili oil in advance and store it in a sealed jar at room temperature for up to a week. Just warm it slightly before using to re-infuse the flavors.

Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 85 reviews

This Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil is a flavorful and elegant dish combining sweet, slow-cooked onions with a smoky, spicy chili oil drizzle. The caramelized onions add a rich sweetness that perfectly balances the heat from the homemade chili oil, creating a comforting and sophisticated pasta meal. Garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, this recipe is simple yet impressive, ideal for a cozy dinner or entertaining guests.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

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 extra virgin olive oil
• 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 red chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions: Thinly slice the onion into even rings to ensure even cooking. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt, stirring occasionally. Cook the onions slowly for about 25-30 minutes, stirring every 5-7 minutes, until they become golden brown and soft. Add the minced garlic about 5 minutes before done, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then set aside.
2. Make the Chili Oil: In a small saucepan, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until warm but not hot enough to burn. Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in 1 tablespoon of red chili flakes and 1 teaspoon of paprika, cooking for 2-3 minutes to infuse the oil. Add 1 teaspoon of soy sauce, stir well, 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 instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Set the pasta aside.
4. Combine Pasta and Onions: Add the caramelized onions to the cooked pasta and gently toss to coat. Drizzle the prepared chili oil over the pasta and toss again to evenly distribute. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it coat the noodles.
5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley. Add extra chili flakes on top if desired for more heat. Serve the pasta immediately as a main dish, paired nicely with a side salad or crusty bread.

Notes

• Thinly slicing the onions evenly ensures uniform caramelization and prevents uneven cooking.
• Be patient during caramelization to develop deep, sweet flavors; rushing can cause bitterness.
• Adjust the amount of chili flakes in the oil to suit your preferred spice level.
• Reserve pasta water to achieve desired sauce consistency and help the sauce adhere to the pasta.
• Use extra virgin olive oil for the chili oil for a more fragrant and fruity flavor.
• Leftover caramelized onions can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and used in other dishes.

Keywords: caramelized onion pasta, chili oil pasta, spicy pasta, vegetarian pasta recipe, easy pasta dinner, homemade chili oil, Italian pasta recipe