Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil: A Sweet and Spicy Flavor Bomb Recipe
This Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil is a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Tender caramelized onions paired with aromatic garlic and a smoky, spicy chili oil create a luscious sauce that coats your choice of pasta perfectly. Garnished with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese, this dish offers an elegant yet simple meal that’s bursting with depth and heat, ideal for those who love a flavor-packed pasta experience.
- 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
Scale
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, linguine, or preferred shape)
- 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
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 small garlic clove, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
For Garnishing:
- Grated Parmesan cheese, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Extra chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Thinly slice the onion evenly for uniform caramelization. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt to help release moisture. Cook the onions, stirring every 5–7 minutes, until they soften and turn golden brown, about 25–30 minutes. Five minutes before they’re done, 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: 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 another 2–3 minutes to infuse the oil with spice and smokiness. Add 1 teaspoon of soy sauce for umami flavor and let the mixture simmer for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: While the onions are caramelizing, 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. Drain the pasta and set 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 mixture and toss again until the pasta has a glossy finish. If the pasta feels dry, gradually add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and improve coating.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Add chopped fresh basil or parsley for freshness and color. Optionally, top with extra chili flakes for more heat. Serve the pasta hot as a flavorful main dish or alongside a fresh salad.
Notes
- For best caramelization, slice onions evenly and cook low and slow to develop sweetness.
- Adjust the red chili flakes in the chili oil based on your preferred spice level.
- Reserved pasta water is key to creating a smooth sauce that clings to the noodles.
- Use extra virgin olive oil for the chili oil to add fruity depth.
- Parmesan cheese adds creaminess but can be omitted for a vegan option (and chili oil can be made vegan by omitting soy sauce if needed).
Keywords: caramelized onion pasta, spicy pasta, chili oil, easy pasta recipe, Italian pasta dish, vegetarian pasta
