Pasta with Caramelized Onions Recipe
Introduction
This Pasta with Chili Oil recipe combines sweet, caramelized onions with a spicy, smoky chili oil for a simple yet flavorful dish. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or when you want a comforting meal with a bit of a kick.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, linguine, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing onions and garlic)
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (for chili oil)
- 1 tablespoon red chili flakes (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 small garlic clove, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Extra chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Thinly slice the onion into even rings. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the onions with a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized, about 25-30 minutes. Add the minced garlic about 5 minutes before the onions are done, cooking until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.
- Step 2: In a small saucepan, warm 3 tablespoons of olive oil 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. Add the soy sauce, stir, and simmer for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Step 3: 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 pasta.
- Step 4: Toss the cooked pasta with the caramelized onions until well coated. Drizzle the chili oil over the pasta and mix thoroughly. Add reserved pasta water gradually if the pasta seems dry to help loosen the sauce.
- Step 5: Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley. Add extra chili flakes if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips & Variations
- Use long pasta shapes like spaghetti or linguine for better coating with the chili oil.
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes to control the heat level.
- For a vegan option, omit the Parmesan or substitute with a plant-based cheese.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, fresh finish.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of pasta water to restore the sauce’s texture. Avoid microwaving directly to keep the flavors fresh.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of oil for the chili oil?
Yes, you can substitute olive oil with neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil, but extra virgin olive oil adds a fruity flavor that complements the dish well.
How spicy is the chili oil in this recipe?
The chili oil has a moderate heat level, but you can adjust the red chili flakes to make it milder or spicier according to your preference.
PrintPasta with Caramelized Onions Recipe
This Pasta with Chili Oil recipe combines perfectly caramelized onions and aromatic chili-infused oil to create a flavorful and vibrant dish. The sweet, savory onions meld beautifully with the spicy, smoky chili oil, while freshly grated Parmesan and herbs add creamy and fresh finishing touches. Ideal for a quick yet impressive weekday dinner, this dish is easy to make and customizable with your favorite pasta shape.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or linguine recommended)
- 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 (extra virgin preferred)
- 1 tablespoon red chili flakes (adjust to spice preference)
- 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 to ensure uniform cooking. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and a pinch of salt, and cook them slowly, stirring occasionally every 5-7 minutes, for about 25-30 minutes until golden and soft. About 5 minutes before they finish, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then set aside.
- Make the Chili Oil: Warm 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes without browning. Stir in the red chili flakes and paprika and cook for another 2-3 minutes to infuse the oil with spice and smokiness. Add 1 teaspoon of soy sauce for umami, simmer for 2 more minutes, then remove from heat.
- Cook the Pasta: While onions caramelize, 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, then set the pasta aside.
- Combine the Pasta and Onions: Add the caramelized onions to the drained pasta and toss well to coat. Drizzle the prepared chili oil over the pasta and toss to combine, allowing the warmth to help distribute the oil evenly. If the pasta looks dry, add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve a glossy, well-coated consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle grated Parmesan generously over the pasta and garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley. Optionally, add extra chili flakes for additional heat. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Use long pasta shapes like spaghetti or linguine to best capture the chili oil and caramelized onions.
- Be patient when caramelizing onions; slow cooking brings out their natural sweetness essential for this dish.
- Adjust chili flakes according to your spice tolerance for a milder or spicier result.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help the oil adhere to pasta.
- Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for chili oil due to its fruity flavor and aroma.
Keywords: pasta, chili oil, caramelized onions, spicy pasta, easy dinner, vegetarian pasta, Italian cuisine
