This Caramelized Onion Pasta is rich and comforting. It features sweet, golden onions mixed into your favorite pasta with a drizzle of spicy chili oil for that extra kick!
Honestly, the smell of onions cooking is heavenly! I love how this dish comes together with just a few ingredients, making it perfect for a quick dinner on any night.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Fresh egg pasta or fettuccine works well here for its texture. If you want a gluten-free option, consider using rice noodles or gluten-free pasta instead. I enjoy the chewy quality of fresh pasta, but any pasta you have will do!
Onions: Yellow onions are my favorite because they caramelize beautifully, becoming sweet and flavorful. If you’re in a pinch, sweet onions such as Vidalia or even red onions can be used, although red onions may give a slightly different flavor profile.
Chili Oil: Adjust the amount based on how spicy you like your food. If you don’t have chili oil, you can make your own by infusing olive oil with dried chili flakes. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can also add flavor if spice isn’t your thing.
Parmesan Cheese: This is optional but adds a nutty richness. If you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, try using a dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How Can You Get the Perfect Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions is about patience and low heat. Here are the steps to ensure your onions turn out perfectly:
- Start with a wide skillet to give the onions room to spread out and cook evenly.
- Cook onions on medium-low for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is to slowly develop their sweetness.
- Adding a bit of sugar helps them brown, but make sure to keep them moving to prevent burning.
- When they turn golden brown and smell sweetly fragrant, add your garlic and let it cook briefly to enhance the overall flavor.
Remember, the slower the cooking, the better the flavor!
How to Make Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Pasta:
- 250g fresh egg pasta or fettuccine
- For the Sauce:
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 stalks green onions/scallions, chopped
- 1 tsp sugar (to help caramelize onions)
- For Toppings:
- 2-3 tbsp chili oil (adjust based on heat preference)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients, and then another 20 minutes cooking and combining everything for a deliciously sweet and spicy pasta dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the rest. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the sauce.
2. Caramelize the Onions:
In a wide skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the butter over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions along with the salt and sugar. Stir occasionally, letting the onions cook slowly for about 20-25 minutes until they’re deep golden brown and caramelized. Patience is key here—let those sugars develop for a fantastic flavor!
3. Add Garlic for Flavor:
Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. This will enhance the overall flavor of your dish!
4. Prepare the Chili Oil:
If using store-bought chili oil, gently warm it in a small pan or microwave-safe bowl while you finish the pasta.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Now, add the drained pasta to the skillet with the caramelized onions. Toss everything together to combine and heat through. If the pasta looks a bit dry, gradually add some reserved pasta water to loosen it up and create a lovely sauce.
6. Add Seasoning and Toppings:
Add the chopped green onions/scallions and black pepper. Give it another good toss to mix everything evenly. Transfer the pasta to serving plates, then drizzle generously with warm chili oil over the top. If you like, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for an extra delicious touch.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the pasta immediately while it’s hot, and enjoy the cozy, sweet, spicy, and umami-packed flavors of your wonderful dish!
This Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil is simple yet indulgent, bringing together the sweetness of onions and the bold kick of chili oil beautifully. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Onions for This Pasta?
Yes! While yellow onions give a great balance of sweetness and flavor, you can also use sweet onions like Vidalia for a similar effect. Red onions can be used too, but they will impart a slightly different taste.
Can I Make This Pasta Vegetarian or Vegan?
Absolutely! To keep it vegetarian, just omit the butter and use olive oil for the entire recipe. For a vegan version, skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative like nutritional yeast.
What Should I Do if I Don’t Have Chili Oil?
If you don’t have chili oil, you can easily make your own by infusing olive oil with crushed red pepper flakes. Just heat the oil gently with the flakes for a few minutes. Alternatively, add fresh or dried chili peppers to your dish for some heat!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil if it seems dry.
