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:
- The combination of sweet caramelized onions and spicy chili oil creates a unique and flavorful dish.
- With minimal ingredients and quick prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
- 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:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sugar, cooking until caramelized.
- In a separate pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic and chili flakes. Add smoked paprika and salt.
- 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:
- Use a mix of white and red onions for a more complex flavor profile.
- 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.

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:
- Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?
- Yes, feel free to use gluten-free pasta as a substitution.
- Can I make the caramelized onions in advance?
- Absolutely, prepare the onions ahead of time and store in the fridge until ready to use.
- How can I make this dish less spicy?
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes or omit them altogether for a milder version.
- 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
- 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
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
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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