Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil Recipe
This Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil is a deliciously comforting dish featuring sweet, slowly caramelized onions combined with a spicy, smoky chili oil. Tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and finished with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese, this recipe balances rich, savory flavors with a kick of heat for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Thinly slice the onion into even rings for even cooking. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large, deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt, stirring occasionally. Cook the onions slowly, stirring every 5-7 minutes, for about 25-30 minutes until they turn golden and soft. About 5 minutes before they are done, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then set aside.
- Make the Chili Oil: In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm 3 tablespoons olive oil but avoid overheating. Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in 1 tablespoon red chili flakes and 1 teaspoon paprika, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the oil is infused with spice and smokiness. Add 1 teaspoon soy sauce, stir well, and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- 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. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Combine the Pasta and Onions: Add the caramelized onions to the cooked pasta and stir to coat the noodles evenly. Drizzle the chili oil over the pasta and toss well. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it coat the noodles.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese generously over the pasta. Add chopped fresh basil or parsley for freshness and color. Optionally, sprinkle extra chili flakes for more heat. Serve the pasta immediately while hot, either as a main dish or alongside a fresh salad.
Notes
- Use long pasta shapes like spaghetti or linguine for better sauce coverage.
- Be patient when caramelizing onions — slow cooking is key to sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Adjust chili flakes in the oil according to your spice preference.
- Reserve pasta water to help adjust sauce consistency.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or crusty bread.
Keywords: caramelized onion pasta, chili oil pasta, spicy pasta, Italian vegetarian pasta, homemade chili oil, easy pasta recipe
