Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil

Indulge in the rich flavors of caramelized onions and spicy chili oil with this delicious pasta dish. Easy to make and bursting with savory goodness, this recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a special dinner with loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  1. The combination of sweet caramelized onions and spicy chili oil creates a unique and flavorful dish.
  2. With minimal ingredients and quick prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
  3. The versatility of this dish makes it ideal for meal prep – enjoy it hot or cold the next day!

Ingredient Notes:

For the Pasta:

  • Pasta of your choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne work well)
  • Salt (for boiling pasta water)

For the Caramelized Onions:

  • Large onions, thinly sliced
  • Olive oil
  • Butter
  • Sugar (optional, to help caramelize)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Chilli Oil:

  • Olive oil
  • Chili flakes (adjust based on preferred spice level)
  • Garlic clove, minced
  • Smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt

For Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Extra chili oil (optional)

Step-By-Step Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sugar, cooking until caramelized.
  3. In a separate pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic and chili flakes. Add smoked paprika and salt.
  4. Combine pasta with caramelized onions and chili oil. Serve hot with garnishes.

Helpful Tips:

  • For extra flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the caramelized onions.
  • Swap out the chili flakes for fresh red chili for a different level of heat.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

  1. Use a mix of white and red onions for a more complex flavor profile.
  2. Toast the chili flakes in the oil before adding the garlic for a deeper chili flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair this dish with a simple green salad and a glass of Pinot Grigio for a complete meal.

Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil

Storage and Reheating Tips:

To reheat, simply place the pasta in a pan with a splash of water and heat over medium-low until warmed through. Add extra chili oil if needed to refresh the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?
  • Yes, feel free to use gluten-free pasta as a substitution.
  1. Can I make the caramelized onions in advance?
  • Absolutely, prepare the onions ahead of time and store in the fridge until ready to use.
  1. How can I make this dish less spicy?
  • Adjust the amount of chili flakes or omit them altogether for a milder version.
  1. Can I freeze this dish?
  • We do not recommend freezing as the texture may change upon thawing.

Conclusion:

Treat your taste buds to a delightful experience with this Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil. Whether you’re cooking for one or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out!

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Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil

Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil

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  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Indulge in this flavorful pasta dish featuring caramelized onions and a kick of chili oil, topped with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese for a delicious meal.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz (340g) pasta of your choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne works well)
  • Salt (for boiling pasta water)

For the Caramelized Onions:

  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to help caramelize)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Chilli Oil:

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chili flakes (adjust based on preferred spice level)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Extra chili oil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Caramelize the Onions: In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are caramelized.
  3. Prepare the Chilli Oil: In a small saucepan, combine olive oil, chili flakes, garlic, smoked paprika, and salt. Heat over low heat for a few minutes to infuse the flavors.
  4. Assemble: Toss the cooked pasta with caramelized onions and chili oil. Serve topped with fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese, and extra chili oil if desired.

Notes

  • You can adjust the spice level of the chili oil by adding more or fewer chili flakes.
  • Feel free to customize the dish with additional ingredients like roasted vegetables or grilled chicken.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
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