Caramelized Onion Chili Oil Pasta Recipe
This Caramelized Onion Chili Oil Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines sweet, caramelized onions with the spicy kick of chili oil, perfectly tossed with al dente pasta and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It’s an easy-to-make meal that brings a balance of savory, sweet, and heat in every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 200g dried pasta (such as spaghetti or linguine)
Onions
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
Chili Oil
- 3 tbsp chili oil (store-bought or homemade)
Toppings
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 25-30 minutes until the onions are golden brown and sweetly caramelized. Be careful not to burn them.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.
- Toss Together: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with caramelized onions. Pour in the chili oil and toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly. If the mixture seems dry, add small amounts of reserved pasta water to loosen it. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and generously sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot for best flavor.
Notes
- For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Adjust the amount of chili oil based on your spice tolerance.
- If you prefer a smokier flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the onions while caramelizing.
- Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for best taste.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.
Keywords: Caramelized onion pasta, chili oil pasta, easy pasta recipe, spicy pasta, Italian pasta dish
