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Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil Recipe

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4.5 from 105 reviews

Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil is a flavorful and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring sweet, slow-cooked onions paired with spicy, aromatic chili oil. The dish combines perfectly cooked pasta with a glossy, spicy oil and savory caramelized onions, finished with creamy Parmesan and fresh herbs for a balanced, delicious meal.

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

Chili Oil:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red chili flakes
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 small garlic clove, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce

Garnishing:

  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
  • Extra 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 with a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally every 5-7 minutes, until they soften and turn golden brown, about 25-30 minutes. About 5 minutes before they finish, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, stirring frequently. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Make the Chili Oil: In a small saucepan, warm 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat without overheating. Add 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 paprika, cooking for another 2-3 minutes to infuse the oil with spice and smokiness. Add 1 teaspoon soy sauce, stir well, and simmer for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 12 oz of pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Set aside.
  4. Combine Pasta and Onions: Toss the cooked pasta with the caramelized onions in the skillet to coat evenly. Drizzle the prepared chili oil over the pasta and toss to combine, allowing the heat to help the oil coat the noodles. If the mixture is too dry, gradually add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and enhance coating.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Add chopped fresh basil or parsley for freshness and color. If desired, sprinkle extra chili flakes for more heat. Serve immediately as a main dish or with a side salad.

Notes

  • Use long pasta shapes like spaghetti or linguine for best texture and sauce coating.
  • Caramelizing onions slowly over low-medium heat is essential to bring out their natural sweetness.
  • Adjust chili flakes according to your preferred spice level.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency easily.
  • Parmesan cheese can be omitted or substituted with a vegan alternative to make the dish vegan-friendly.

Keywords: caramelized onion pasta, chili oil pasta, spicy pasta, Italian pasta recipe, easy pasta dish

Find it online: https://victoriablair.com/caramelized-onion-pasta-with-chili-oil-recipe/