Description
This Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil is a comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired dish that beautifully combines sweet, caramelized onions with a spicy kick from chili oil. Perfectly cooked spaghetti or linguine is tossed in a luscious, aromatic sauce made by slowly cooking onions and garlic, then enhanced with butter, red pepper flakes, and finished with a drizzle of chili oil. Garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, this vegetarian pasta recipe is both simple and impressive, ideal for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Seasonings
- 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
- Salt, for pasta water and seasoning, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Sauce and Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons chili oil (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
- Caramelize the Onions: While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Cook the onions slowly, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes until they are golden brown and caramelized. Halfway through cooking, add 2 tablespoons of butter and ½ teaspoon of sugar to enhance sweetness and depth.
- Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Once the onions are soft and deeply golden, stir in the minced garlic and ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Toss Pasta with Onion Mixture: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the caramelized onions. Toss everything together, adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen and emulsify the sauce as needed for a silky coating.
- Finish with Chili Oil and Seasoning: Drizzle the pasta with 2 tablespoons of chili oil, then toss again to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot, topped with grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese if using, and garnished with chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of freshness.
Notes
- Use homemade chili oil for customizable heat and flavor.
- For added protein, stir in sautéed mushrooms or cooked chicken.
- This dish works well with gluten-free pasta if preferred.
- Be patient when caramelizing onions to develop their full sweet flavor.
