Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil Recipe
This Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil is a flavorful and aromatic dish featuring sweet, slow-cooked onions tossed with al dente pasta and a spicy, smoky chili oil. Finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, it’s a simple yet elegant meal perfect for spice lovers seeking a comforting Italian-inspired twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 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 recommended)
- 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
- 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 evenly to ensure uniform cooking. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt to help release moisture. Stir every 5-7 minutes as the onions cook for about 25-30 minutes until golden and soft. Five minutes before done, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper; then set aside.
- Make the Chili Oil: Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat, warming it gently. Add thinly sliced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes without browning. Stir in red chili flakes and paprika, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add 1 teaspoon soy sauce and simmer for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: While onions caramelize, 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, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Combine Pasta and Onions: Toss the cooked pasta with the caramelized onions to coat the noodles evenly. Drizzle the prepared chili oil over the pasta and mix well. Add reserved pasta water gradually if needed to loosen the sauce and enhance coating.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the pasta with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley. Sprinkle additional chili flakes if desired. Serve immediately while hot, either as a standalone dish or alongside a fresh salad.
Notes
- For best caramelization, keep the heat medium-low and be patient; rushing this step may cause burning.
- Adjust chili flakes in the oil to suit your spice preference.
- Reserve pasta water to help the sauce adhere better to noodles, making the dish moist.
- Use extra virgin olive oil for richer flavor in the chili oil.
- Parmesan and fresh herbs enhance depth and freshness—don’t skip the garnishes.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.
Keywords: caramelized onion pasta, chili oil pasta, spicy pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, easy Italian pasta, homemade chili oil