Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil Recipe

Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil is an indulgent yet simple pasta dish that beautifully marries the sweetness of slow-cooked onions with the spicy heat of chili oil. The richness of the onions contrasts wonderfully with the boldness of the chili, creating a complex and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a special treat.

The caramelization process enhances the natural sweetness of the onions, while the chili oil adds depth and spice to the dish, making it irresistible. Whether you’re craving something comforting or looking to spice things up a bit, this pasta will deliver.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (typically around 8-10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

2. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. This starchy water will help create a silky sauce later on.

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3. Drain and Set Aside: Drain the pasta and toss it with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

1. Sauté the Onions: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil (and the butter, if using) over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and stir to coat them in the oil. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt to help draw out moisture.

2. Cook Slowly: Let the onions cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. The goal is to slowly break down the onions to release their natural sugars and turn golden brown. If the onions begin to stick or burn, you can add a tablespoon of water to deglaze the pan.

3. Add Balsamic Vinegar: Once the onions are caramelized (they should be a deep golden brown and very soft), stir in the balsamic vinegar and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the vinegar is absorbed. This adds a layer of complexity and tanginess to the dish.

4. Season: Taste the onions and add more salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar if you’d like them a bit sweeter. Set the caramelized onions aside and keep them warm.

Step 3: Prepare the Chili Oil

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a small saucepan, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

2. Add Chili Flakes: Add the dried chili flakes to the hot oil and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the oil becomes infused with the chili flavor. Be careful not to burn the chili flakes, as this can make the oil bitter.

3. Add Soy Sauce and Sugar: Stir in the soy sauce (if using) and sugar. The sugar will help balance the spiciness and add a hint of sweetness to the oil. Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, then remove it from the heat.

4. Taste and Adjust: Taste the chili oil and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you want it spicier, you can add more chili flakes; if you want it sweeter, add a little more sugar.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Caramelized Onions

1. Toss Pasta with Onions: In the skillet with the caramelized onions, add the cooked pasta. Toss the pasta and onions together, adding some reserved pasta water a little at a time to help create a cohesive sauce. You want the pasta to be coated with the caramelized onions and a bit of the onion’s caramelized sweetness.

2. Add Chili Oil: Drizzle the prepared chili oil over the pasta and toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the spicy, flavorful oil.

Step 5: Serve the Pasta

1. Serve: Divide the pasta among plates and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley to add a touch of freshness and color.

2. Add Extra Chili Flakes: If you like extra spice, sprinkle additional crushed red pepper flakes over the top before serving.

Tips for Success:

1. Caramelizing Onions: The key to perfectly caramelized onions is patience. Low and slow is the best approach, allowing the natural sugars in the onions to caramelize and develop flavor. It may take 30 minutes, but the end result is worth it. If you’re short on time, you can increase the heat slightly, but be sure to stir often to prevent burning.

2. Chili Oil Heat Level: Adjust the heat level in your chili oil according to your preference. If you like it spicier, add more chili flakes. For a milder version, use fewer flakes or consider using milder peppers such as paprika or ancho chili powder.

3. Pasta Choices: While spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine are great choices, you can experiment with other types of pasta, such as rigatoni, penne, or bucatini. Just be sure to choose pasta that can hold onto the sauce.

4. Use Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving not only enhances the flavor but also brightens up the dish visually. You could also experiment with thyme or rosemary if you want an earthier flavor.

5. Adding Protein: If you’d like to add protein to the dish, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a poached egg would pair well with this caramelized onion pasta. For a vegetarian option, sautéed mushrooms or roasted squash would make a great addition.

6. Make Ahead: You can prepare the caramelized onions and chili oil ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the onions and oil and toss them with freshly cooked pasta.

Variations of the Recipe:

1. Vegan Version: Skip the butter and Parmesan cheese to make this dish fully vegan. You can also use a vegan cheese alternative to sprinkle on top for a cheesy flavor.

2. Add Cheese to the Chili Oil: For a creamy and rich version, add a bit of cheese (like Parmesan or pecorino) directly to the chili oil. This creates a luxurious, slightly creamy sauce that coats the pasta.

3. Spicy and Sweet Caramelized Onion Pasta: To give the dish an extra layer of complexity, you can add a touch of honey or maple syrup to the caramelized onions during the cooking process. This balances the heat of the chili oil and enhances the natural sweetness of the onions.

4. Mushroom and Caramelized Onion Pasta: Add sautéed mushrooms to the caramelized onion mixture for an earthy, umami-packed version. Mushrooms absorb the caramelized flavors beautifully, adding depth to the dish.

5. Herb-Infused Chili Oil: For a more aromatic version, add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the chili oil while heating it. This will infuse the oil with additional fragrance and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Sweet and Spicy: The sweetness of the caramelized onions balances perfectly with the heat from the chili oil, creating a dynamic and flavorful experience.
• Simple Ingredients: Using pantry staples like onions, pasta, olive oil, and chili flakes, this dish is simple to prepare but tastes incredibly complex.
• Customizable: The recipe is easily adaptable to suit your preferences. You can adjust the heat level, add protein, or incorporate additional vegetables.
• Comforting and Satisfying: The rich, caramelized onions and savory chili oil make this pasta comforting yet exciting—perfect for any occasion.

This Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil recipe is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. The balance of flavors and textures will keep you coming back for more. Enjoy making and savoring this dish, and feel free to adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

Yield: 4

Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil Recipe

Print

Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil is an indulgent yet simple pasta dish that beautifully marries the sweetness of slow-cooked onions with the spicy heat of chili oil. The richness of the onions contrasts wonderfully with the boldness of the chili, creating a complex and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a special treat.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340g) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or any pasta of choice)
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (to help caramelize the onions)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano (optional)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• For the Chilli Oil:
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to spice preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)

Instructions

1. Make the Chilli Oil:
   In a small saucepan, heat 1/4 cup olive oil over low heat. Add the red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and smoked paprika (if using).
   Allow the spices to infuse the oil by cooking for about 3-4 minutes, but be careful not to burn the oil. Remove from heat and set aside.
   
2. Caramelize the Onions:
   Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
   Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and golden brown. Add sugar halfway through to help with the caramelization.
   If the onions begin to stick to the pan, add a splash of water or a little more olive oil to help deglaze the pan. Stir in thyme or oregano, if using.
   
3. Cook the Pasta:
   While the onions are caramelizing, cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
   
4. Combine:
   Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the caramelized onions. Toss to combine, adding a little reserved pasta water to help coat the pasta and create a silky texture.
   
5. Finish the Dish:
   Drizzle the chili oil over the pasta and toss to coat. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
   Serve the pasta with grated Parmesan cheese (if desired) and garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
   
6. Serve:
   Plate the pasta, drizzle with more chili oil for extra heat, and enjoy!

Notes

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes in the chilli oil to your preferred spice level. You can even add a small chopped fresh chili for an extra kick.
• Cheese Options: You can use Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for a sharper, saltier flavor. A bit of goat cheese or ricotta can also add a creamy contrast to the dish.
• Add-ins: Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even crispy pancetta or bacon for extra flavor and texture.
• Make Ahead: You can caramelize the onions ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat them when ready to serve.
• Pasta Variations: Use any pasta shape you like—short shapes like penne or rigatoni work well for holding the caramelized onions.