Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil
A delicious and comforting pasta dish featuring sweet caramelized onions and spicy chili oil, perfect for elevating your pasta game.
Ingredients
For the Caramelized Onions
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing the onions
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced Base for sweet and savory caramelization
- 3 cloves garlic, minced For an aromatic base
- Salt and pepper, to taste For seasoning
For the Chili Oil
- 3 tablespoons olive oil Extra virgin works best
- 1 tablespoon red chili flakes Adjust for spice tolerance
- 1 teaspoon paprika Adds a smoky flavor
- 1 small garlic clove, thinly sliced To infuse the oil
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce For umami flavor
For the Pasta
- 12 oz pasta Choose any long shape like spaghetti, penne, or linguine
- Grated Parmesan cheese For added creaminess and savory flavor
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped For garnish
- Extra chili flakes, optional For additional heat
Instructions
Caramelizing the Onions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-low heat.
- Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt.
- Stir occasionally until they are deeply golden and sweet, approximately 25–35 minutes.
Making the Chili Oil
- Warm 3 tablespoons of olive oil with paprika, red chili flakes, and the thinly sliced garlic until fragrant, careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of soy sauce and let it sit for flavors to marry.
Cooking the Pasta
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, reserving a cup of pasta water before draining.
Combining the Pasta and Onions
- Toss the drained pasta with caramelized onions.
- Add spoonfuls of chili oil to taste, and loosen with reserved pasta water as needed.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and more chili flakes if desired.
Garnishing and Serving
- Plate the pasta and shower it with grated Parmesan.
- Scatter chopped herbs and extra chili flakes if you are feeling dramatic.
Notes
You can make caramelized onions ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve their flavor.