Caramelized Onion Pasta with Spicy Chili Oil Recipe
This Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil is a delightful blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Featuring slowly caramelized yellow onions, a homemade aromatic chili oil infused with garlic and spices, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish offers a comforting yet vibrant meal. Topped with grated Parmesan and fresh herbs, it’s an easy-to-make pasta recipe that elevates simple ingredients into a gourmet experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- 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 yellow onion into even rings for even cooking. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt, stirring occasionally. Cook, stirring every 5-7 minutes, for 25-30 minutes until the onions are golden brown and soft. About 5 minutes before the end, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside.
- Make the Chili Oil: In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant without browning. Stir in 1 tablespoon red chili flakes and 1 teaspoon paprika, cooking for another 2-3 minutes to infuse flavors. Pour in 1 teaspoon soy sauce, stir well, and simmer for 2 more 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 package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the noodles. Set pasta aside.
- Combine the Pasta and Onions: Add the caramelized onions to the cooked pasta and stir to coat evenly. Drizzle the prepared chili oil over the pasta and mix thoroughly. If the pasta looks dry, add reserved pasta water little by little to loosen the sauce and enhance coating.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese generously over the pasta. Add chopped fresh basil or parsley for a bright, fresh touch. Optionally, add extra chili flakes for more heat. Serve the dish immediately while hot, either as a main course or alongside a fresh salad.
Notes
- Be patient while caramelizing onions; low and slow cooking brings out maximum sweetness.
- Adjust chili flakes in the oil according to your spice tolerance.
- Reserve pasta water to help emulsify and loosen the sauce if needed.
- Use extra virgin olive oil for more flavor in both the chili oil and onion sautéing.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Keywords: Caramelized onion pasta, chili oil pasta, vegetarian pasta recipe, spicy pasta, easy pasta recipe, Italian pasta dish
