Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil Recipe
Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil is a flavorful and comforting dish that balances the sweetness of slowly caramelized onions with the spicy kick of a homemade chili oil. This easy-to-make pasta recipe uses simple ingredients like onions, garlic, olive oil, chili flakes, and paprika to create a rich, aromatic sauce that coats your favorite pasta perfectly. Garnished with Parmesan and fresh herbs, it’s an ideal meal for lunch or dinner that combines sweet, savory, and spicy notes for a truly memorable dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Lunch
- 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
- 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 into even rings for uniform cooking. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the onions with a pinch of salt to draw out moisture, cooking them slowly while stirring every 5-7 minutes until golden brown and soft, approximately 25-30 minutes. Add minced garlic about 5 minutes before the onions finish cooking to avoid burning and cook until fragrant. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then set aside.
- Make the Chili Oil: Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a small saucepan 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 2-3 minutes to infuse the oil with spice and smoky flavor. Add 1 teaspoon soy sauce for umami and simmer for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: 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 and setting the pasta aside.
- Combine Pasta and Onions: Toss the cooked pasta with the caramelized onions in the skillet or serving bowl. Drizzle the chili oil over and mix thoroughly to coat every noodle. Add reserved pasta water gradually if the mixture seems dry to achieve a glossy, smooth sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese generously over the pasta for creaminess and extra flavor. Add chopped fresh basil or parsley for brightness. Optionally, top with more chili flakes for additional heat. Serve immediately while hot, alone or paired with a side salad.
Notes
- Be patient while caramelizing onions; slow cooking develops their natural sweetness and deep flavor.
- Adjust red chili flakes to control the heat level in the chili oil according to your preference.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce for optimal texture and coating.
- Fresh herbs add a fresh contrast to the rich and spicy flavors.
- This dish pairs well with a light green salad or simple grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Keywords: caramelized onion pasta, chili oil pasta, spicy pasta, vegetarian pasta recipe, easy pasta, homemade chili oil, comfort food
