Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil Recipe

Introduction

This Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil is a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. The slowly caramelized onions add depth and richness, while the chili oil gives it a perfect spicy kick. It’s a simple yet impressive dish for any pasta lover.

Ingredients

• 200g pasta of your choice
• 3 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons chili oil
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they turn a deep golden brown and caramelize, about 25-30 minutes.
3. Step 3: Once the onions are caramelized, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss well to combine and coat the pasta evenly with the onions and butter.
4. Step 4: Drizzle the chili oil over the pasta and toss again. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. Step 5: Serve immediately, garnished with extra chili oil or fresh herbs if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use red onions for a sweeter caramelization or yellow onions for a more robust flavor.
• Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese for a cheesy twist.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of chili oil or substitute with a milder flavored oil.
• Add garlic during the last 5 minutes of caramelizing onions for extra aromatic depth.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramelized onions for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought caramelized onions can be used to save time, but homemade caramelization offers a fresher, richer taste.

What type of pasta works best in this dish?

Long pasta like spaghetti or linguine works well, but short pasta such as penne or rigatoni can also be used depending on your preference.

Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 111 reviews

Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil is a delightful blend of sweet and spicy flavors. The slow-cooked caramelized onions add a rich sweetness that perfectly balances the heat from the chili oil, creating a simple yet flavorful pasta dish that’s quick to prepare and sure to impress.

• Author: Ria
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 200g dry pasta (such as spaghetti or linguine)

Caramelized Onions

• 3 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Chili Oil

• 2 tablespoons chili oil (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions: Heat the butter in a large skillet over low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes until they are deeply golden brown and sweetly caramelized.
2. Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
3. Toss Pasta with Onions and Chili Oil: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the caramelized onions. Toss together over low heat, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Drizzle the chili oil over the pasta and toss to combine thoroughly, allowing the spicy oil to infuse the dish with flavor.
4. Serve: Plate the pasta immediately while warm. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

• For a vegan option, substitute butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
• Adjust the amount of chili oil based on your preferred spice level.
• Homemade chili oil with garlic and chili flakes enhances the flavor.
• Reserve pasta water to help emulsify the sauce and keep the pasta moist.
• Using sweet onions such as Vidalia or yellow onions yields the best caramelization flavor.

Keywords: Caramelized Onion Pasta, Chili Oil Pasta, Sweet and Spicy Pasta, Easy Pasta Recipe, Italian Pasta Dish