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Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 122 reviews

A flavorful and comforting Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil that combines slow-cooked sweet onions and a spicy, aromatic chili oil. This dish features perfectly caramelized onions tossed with pasta and infused with a vibrant chili oil, garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese for an irresistible meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz (340g) pasta of your choice – spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne works well
  • Salt – for boiling pasta water, use generous amounts for properly seasoned pasta

For the Caramelized Onions:

  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced – yellow or sweet onions work best for caramelizing
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil – extra virgin preferred for best flavor
  • 1 tablespoon butter – adds richness and helps with browning
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional) – helps speed up caramelization process
  • Salt and pepper, to taste – season throughout cooking process

For the Chilli Oil:

  • 1/4 cup olive oil – use good quality olive oil as it’s a key flavor component
  • 1 tablespoon chili flakes – adjust based on preferred spice level
  • 1 garlic clove, minced – fresh garlic is essential for best flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional) – adds depth and smoky complexity
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt – enhances all the flavors in the oil

For Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional) – adds color and fresh herb notes
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) – use freshly grated for best results
  • Extra chili oil (optional) – for those who want an extra kick

Instructions

  1. Start the Caramelized Onions: Begin by heating the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. The key to perfect caramelization is patience – cook the onions slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 25-30 minutes until they turn deep golden brown and develop a jam-like consistency. If they start browning too quickly, reduce the heat.
  2. Perfect the Onion Caramelization: About halfway through cooking the onions, add the optional teaspoon of sugar to help speed up the caramelization process. Continue cooking, stirring every 5-7 minutes to prevent sticking. The onions are ready when they’re deeply golden, sweet, and almost melting in texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Prepare the Chilli Oil: While the onions are caramelizing, make your chilli oil. In a small saucepan, gently heat the olive oil over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Remove from heat and immediately stir in the chili flakes, smoked paprika (if using), and salt. Set aside to infuse – the oil will continue developing flavor as it cools.
  4. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining – this starchy water will help bind everything together beautifully.
  5. Combine Everything: Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the caramelized onions. Toss gently to coat, adding pasta water a little at a time until you achieve a silky consistency that coats each strand of pasta without being soupy.
  6. Add the Chilli Oil: Drizzle about half of the prepared chilli oil over the pasta and onions, tossing to distribute evenly. The heat from the pasta will help release the flavors in the oil and create an aromatic steam that signals your Ultimate Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil is nearly ready.
  7. Final Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The dish should have a perfect balance of sweet caramelized onions and spicy chilli oil, with each element complementing the other.
  8. Serve Immediately: Transfer to serving bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve with extra chilli oil on the side for those who want to customize their heat level.

Notes

  • Be patient while caramelizing the onions; slow cooking is key to developing deep sweetness and color.
  • Use quality olive oil for both caramelizing onions and making the chilli oil for richest flavor.
  • Reserve pasta water to help emulsify the sauce and create a silky texture.
  • Adjust chili flakes in the chilli oil according to your preferred spice tolerance.
  • Parmesan and parsley garnish add complimentary flavor and freshness but are optional.
  • This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm pasta and vibrant chili oil.

Keywords: caramelized onion pasta, chilli oil pasta, spicy pasta, Italian pasta recipe, easy pasta dishes

Find it online: https://tastemadebyclara.com/caramelized-onion-pasta-with-chilli-oil-recipe/