Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil

Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of our Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil. This dish is a delightful fusion of sweet caramelized onions and spicy chili-infused oil, creating a symphony of tastes that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, this recipe is sure to please.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of caramelized onions and chili oil creates a unique and delicious flavor profile.
- With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
- The versatility of this recipe makes it ideal for meal prep – enjoy it hot or cold!
Ingredient Notes:
For the Pasta:
- Pasta of your choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne works well)
- Salt (for boiling pasta water)
For the Caramelized Onions: - Large onions, thinly sliced
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Sugar (optional, to help caramelize)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Chilli Oil: - Olive oil
- Chili flakes (adjust based on preferred spice level)
- Garlic clove, minced
- Smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt
For Garnish: - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Extra chili oil (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter, then add sliced onions and sugar. Cook until caramelized.
- In a separate pan, heat olive oil, chili flakes, garlic, smoked paprika, and salt to make the chili oil.
- Toss cooked pasta with caramelized onions and chili oil.
- Garnish with parsley, Parmesan cheese, and extra chili oil before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- For a smokier flavor, use smoked sea salt in the chili oil.
- Substitute vegan butter and cheese for a dairy-free version.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use a mix of red and yellow onions for a more complex flavor profile.
- Toast the chili flakes in the oil before adding other ingredients for a deeper flavor.
- Finish the dish with a squeeze of lemon juice for a pop of acidity.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this pasta dish with a simple green salad and a glass of crisp white wine for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips:
To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet with a splash of water to prevent sticking. Add a drizzle of olive oil for added moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use dried pasta instead of fresh?
- Yes, dried pasta works well in this recipe. Just adjust cooking times according to package instructions.
- How spicy is the chili oil?
- You can control the spice level by adjusting the amount of chili flakes used.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, this dish can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
- Can I freeze leftovers?
- While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month.
Conclusion:
Experience the delicious flavors of our Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil for yourself. This dish is a perfect blend of sweet and spicy, making it a standout option for any occasion. Try it out and let us know how it turns out – we’d love to hear your feedback!
PrintCaramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil
This delightful pasta dish features perfectly caramelized onions and a spicy chili oil for a flavor-packed meal that will impress your taste buds.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta of your choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne works well)
- Salt (for boiling pasta water)
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to help caramelize)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Chilli 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
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Extra chili oil (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil water with salt, add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Caramelize the onions: In a pan, cook onions with olive oil, butter, sugar, salt, and pepper until browned and caramelized.
- Make the chili oil: Heat olive oil with chili flakes, garlic, smoked paprika, and salt.
- Combine: Toss the cooked pasta with caramelized onions and chili oil.
- Garnish: Serve with chopped parsley, Parmesan cheese, and extra chili oil if desired.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level of the chili oil by adding more or less chili flakes.
- Feel free to customize the dish with additional ingredients like veggies or protein.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: Pasta recipe, Caramelized onions, Chilli oil, Italian cuisine, Vegetarian meal