Caramelized Onion Chilli Pasta (Print)

Sweet, savory onions and spicy chilli oil transform pasta into a bold, satisfying vegetarian dish.

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 ounces dried pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne
02 - Salt, for boiling pasta water

→ Caramelized Onions

03 - 2 large onions, thinly sliced
04 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
05 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
06 - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, optional
07 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Chilli Oil

08 - 1/4 cup olive oil
09 - 1 tablespoon crushed red chili flakes
10 - 1 garlic clove, minced
11 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, optional
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Garnish

13 - Fresh parsley, chopped, optional
14 - Grated Parmesan cheese, optional
15 - Extra chili oil, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally, and sprinkle with sugar if desired. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are deep golden brown and soft. Set aside.
02 - In a small saucepan over low to medium heat, warm olive oil. Add minced garlic and chili flakes. Gently stir for 1 to 2 minutes to infuse flavors, being careful not to burn the garlic. Mix in smoked paprika if using and salt, then remove from heat.
03 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
04 - Return the drained pasta to the skillet with caramelized onions. Toss thoroughly, adding a little reserved pasta water as needed to blend and coat the pasta.
05 - Pour the prepared chili oil over the pasta mixture. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the spicy oil.
06 - Plate the pasta. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Drizzle with extra chili oil for additional heat, and serve immediately.

# Pro Tips:

01 -
  • Uses everyday pantry ingredients
  • Layered flavors with sweetness from onions and heat from chili oil
  • Ready in under forty five minutes
  • Easy to customize with toppings or extra veggies
02 -
  • High in flavor with just a few ingredients
  • Vegetarian friendly and easily made vegan with plant based butter and omitting cheese
  • Caramelized onions can be prepared ahead for faster assembly
03 -
  • Give onions time to cook very slowly Stir often and do not rush the process for the richest caramel color and flavor
  • Save some pasta water when draining as it is the secret for glossy sauces
  • Do not skimp on good olive oil as it creates the backbone for both flavor and silkiness in this dish
  • Always taste and adjust salt spice and acidity right before serving

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