Name: Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon red chili flakes; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 small garlic clove, thinly sliced; 1 teaspoon soy sauce; Grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil or parsley, chopped; Extra chili flakes (optional)

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil is a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that transform simple ingredients into a satisfying dish. With tender pasta coated in rich caramelized onions and a fragrant, smoky chili oil, this recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests.

A close-up view of a single serving of spaghetti pasta coated in a glossy, golden-brown sauce with visible specks of black pepper and small pieces of finely chopped green herbs sprinkled on top. Scattered throughout the tangled noodles are dark red-brown bits of what looks like chili or sun-dried tomatoes, adding a textured contrast. The pasta strands are smooth and slightly translucent, piled loosely in the center of a white plate against a white marbled surface. The image captures the glistening and seasoned details with a shallow depth of field that softly blurs the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or linguine recommended)
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
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 added heat)

Instructions

Step 1: Thinly slice the onion into even rings. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and a pinch of salt, stir occasionally, and cook for 25-30 minutes until golden and caramelized, stirring every 5-7 minutes. About 5 minutes before done, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.
Step 2: 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 fragrant but not browned. Stir in the red chili flakes and paprika, cooking for another 2-3 minutes. Add the soy sauce, stir well, and let simmer for 2 minutes before removing from heat.
Step 3: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Step 4: Toss the cooked pasta with the caramelized onions, ensuring the pasta is well coated. Drizzle the chili oil over the mixture and toss again. If the pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce.
Step 5: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil or parsley, and extra chili flakes if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use extra virgin olive oil in the chili oil for a fruitier flavor.
For a milder version, reduce the amount of red chili flakes.
Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra texture and nuttiness.
Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper cheese flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water or olive oil to maintain moisture and flavor. Avoid microwaving directly, as it can dry out the dish.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a plate with a single layer of cooked spaghetti noodles that have a light golden color and a glossy texture from the sauce. Mixed in are small pieces of browned garlic and bits of reddish-brown chili flakes scattered across the top. There are small green herbs sprinkled lightly over the noodles, adding a fresh touch. The plate holding the pasta is white, and the image background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like, but long shapes like spaghetti or linguine work especially well to hold the caramelized onions and chili oil.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning when making chili oil?

Keep the heat medium or medium-low and watch the garlic closely. Remove the oil from heat as soon as the garlic is fragrant and lightly softened to avoid bitterness from burning.