Description
This Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil is a delightful fusion of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, featuring slowly caramelized onions, aromatic garlic, and a vibrant homemade chili oil. This easy-to-make dish combines perfectly cooked pasta with a rich, glossy chili oil and is finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for a fresh, flavorful, and comforting 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
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 even cooking. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions with a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes until golden and soft. Add minced garlic about 5 minutes before the end, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper, then set aside.
- Make the Chili Oil: In a small saucepan, warm 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in 1 tablespoon red chili flakes and 1 teaspoon paprika, cooking for 2-3 minutes until aromatic. Add 1 teaspoon soy sauce, stir, and simmer for 2 more 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 the noodles. Set the pasta aside.
- Combine the Pasta and Onions: Add the caramelized onions to the cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly. Drizzle the chili oil over the pasta and toss again, allowing the heat to help coat the noodles with the oil. Add reserved pasta water gradually if the mixture seems dry to loosen the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley. Add extra chili flakes if desired for more heat. Serve the pasta hot as a main dish or with a fresh side salad.
Notes
- Use long pasta shapes like spaghetti or linguine to nicely catch the chili oil and caramelized onions.
- Slow caramelization of onions is essential to develop their sweet, rich flavor.
- Adjust chili flakes quantity in the oil based on your spice tolerance.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency perfectly.
- Use extra virgin olive oil for best flavor in both the pasta and chili oil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Keywords: caramelized onion pasta, chili oil pasta, spicy pasta recipe, easy Italian pasta, vegetarian pasta dish
