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Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil Recipe

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4.2 from 73 reviews

A savory and spicy Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil recipe combining sweet, deeply caramelized onions and a homemade chili-infused oil to create a comforting and flavorful pasta dish. Perfect for a quick yet impressive meal with a balance of sweetness and heat.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Onions

  • 12 oz (340g) pasta of your choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne works well)
  • Salt (for boiling pasta water)
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to help caramelize)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Chili 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

Garnish (Optional)

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Extra chili oil

Instructions

  1. Cook the Onions: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  2. Caramelize the Onions: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon sugar over the onions to aid caramelization if using. Continue cooking the onions for 25-30 minutes until they turn a deep golden-brown color, stirring occasionally to develop a sweet and rich flavor. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Make the Chili Oil: In a small saucepan, heat 1/4 cup olive oil over low to medium heat. Add 1 minced garlic clove and 1 tablespoon chili flakes. Stir occasionally and let the garlic infuse the oil for about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Add Spices to Chili Oil: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional) and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Remove the chili oil from heat and set aside.
  5. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
  6. Combine Pasta and Onions: In the skillet used to caramelize the onions, add the drained pasta and toss together with the caramelized onions. Add a little reserved pasta water if needed to help coat and combine the pasta evenly.
  7. Dress Pasta with Chili Oil: Pour the prepared chili oil over the pasta and toss well to ensure every strand is coated with the spicy, flavorful oil.
  8. Serve and Garnish: Plate the pasta and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Drizzle extra chili oil for added spice and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Cooking onions low and slow is key to achieving deep caramelization and rich sweetness.
  • Adjust chili flakes according to your preferred spice level.
  • Reserving pasta water helps to loosen the sauce and bind it to the pasta.
  • Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth but can be omitted for a vegan or dairy-free option.
  • The smoked paprika in chili oil adds subtle smokiness but is optional.

Keywords: Caramelized onion pasta, chili oil pasta, spicy pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, easy Italian dinner

Find it online: https://epicrecipebox.com/caramelized-onion-pasta-with-chili-oil-recipe/