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Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines the sweet richness of slowly caramelized onions with a spicy, aromatic chili oil. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, the recipe features an easy stovetop method to create a deliciously balanced plate of pasta that’s both savory and slightly spicy, topped with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan for extra depth.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz (340g) pasta of your choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne works well)
  • Salt (for boiling pasta water)

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

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

Garnishes (Optional)

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Extra chili oil

Instructions

  1. Cook the Caramelized Onions: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  2. Caramelize the Onions: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon sugar over the onions (optional) to help with caramelization. Continue cooking the onions for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn a deep golden-brown color and become sweet and rich in flavor. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Make the Chilli Oil: In a small saucepan, heat 1/4 cup olive oil over low to medium heat. Add 1 minced garlic clove and 1 tablespoon chili flakes. Stir frequently to infuse the oil without burning the garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Add Seasoning to Chilli Oil: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional) and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Remove from heat and set aside to cool and meld flavors.
  5. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve about 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  6. Toss Pasta with Caramelized Onions: In the skillet used for the onions, combine the drained pasta with the caramelized onions. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water if needed to help coat the pasta evenly and blend flavors.
  7. Add Chilli Oil: Pour the prepared chili oil over the pasta and toss again thoroughly to evenly distribute the spicy, aromatic oil throughout the dish.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Drizzle with extra chili oil to increase the heat if preferred. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • For sweeter onions, do not skip the optional sugar when caramelizing.
  • You can adjust the chili flakes quantity to suit your preferred spice level.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency and help coat the pasta evenly.
  • Use fresh herbs and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor.
  • This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures.

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Find it online: https://speedydinnerrecipes.com/caramelized-onion-pasta-with-chili-oil-recipe/