Go Back

Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil

A comforting and spicy pasta featuring sweet caramelized onions tossed with chili oil and garlic for a luxurious, flavor-packed meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Fusion, Italian
Calories: 410
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter or vegan butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp chili flakes adjust to taste
  • 2 tbsp chili oil plus extra for serving
  • 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • 1 tsp sugar optional
  • as needed parsley or chives, chopped for garnish
  • as needed Parmesan or nutritional yeast for topping

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Pasta pot
  • Tongs
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions and salt; cook slowly, stirring often.
  2. Continue caramelizing onions for 35–40 minutes until deep golden. Add sugar if desired.
  3. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente; reserve ½ cup water.
  4. Add garlic and chili flakes to onions; cook 1 minute.
  5. Stir in chili oil and pasta water to create a sauce.
  6. Toss pasta in the sauce until well coated.
  7. Season to taste and garnish with parsley and Parmesan.

Notes

Perfect for weeknight dinners, this pasta balances sweet caramelized onions with a subtle chili heat.