Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil Recipe
This Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil Recipe is rich, flavorful and simple to make.
Ingredients
- 12 oz 340 g spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- 3 large onions thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons chili flakes or 2 tablespoons chili oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sugar optional, helps caramelization
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Onions
- Peel and thinly slice onions. Keep slices even to ensure they cook uniformly. Set aside on the cutting board.
Heat the Oil
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions slowly for even cooking.
Cook the Onions
- Cook onions slowly for 20–25 minutes. Stir occasionally. Add sugar to help caramelization, if desired.
Add Garlic
- Add minced garlic during the last 2 minutes. Stir gently to avoid burning and releasing aroma.
Season Onions
- Sprinkle salt and black pepper over onions. Mix well. This enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
Boil Pasta
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Salt the water generously. Drain when al dente, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
Prepare Chilli Oil
- If using plain chili flakes, toast briefly in a small pan with olive oil. Stir to release flavor.
Combine Pasta and Onions
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet with onions. Toss well to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water gradually.
Add Chilli Oil
- Drizzle chilli oil or add chili flakes over pasta. Stir to distribute spicy flavor evenly.
Adjust Seasoning
- Taste pasta. Add more salt, pepper or chili oil if desired. Mix gently for best flavor balance.
Garnish
- Sprinkle chopped parsley over pasta. Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese for richness.
Serve Hot
- Transfer pasta to plates or a serving dish. Serve immediately while warm and aromatic.
Notes
- Cook onions slowly for deep flavor; do not rush.
- Use white or yellow onions; red onions add a milder sweetness.
- Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for crunch.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Add a splash of white wine while caramelizing onions for extra depth.
- Substitute chili oil with fresh chopped chili for sharper spice.
- Top with arugula for fresh peppery flavor.