Caramelized Onion Pasta Chili (Recipe for Printing)
This April-inspired pasta combines caramelized onions and chili oil to create a sweet and spicy dish. Perfect for warm-weather dinners or gatherings. Save & click.
# What You Need:
→ Pasta
01 -
12 ounces dried pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, or linguine
→ Caramelized Onion Base
02 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
03 -
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
04 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
Salt, to taste
06 -
Black pepper, to taste
→ Chili Oil
07 -
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
08 -
1 tablespoon red chili flakes
09 -
1 teaspoon paprika
10 -
1 small garlic clove, thinly sliced
11 -
1 teaspoon soy sauce
→ Finishing Touches
12 -
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
13 -
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
14 -
Extra chili flakes, optional
# How to Make It:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water, and set aside.
02 -
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced yellow onion and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring often, for 15 to 18 minutes until onions are deeply golden and caramelized.
03 -
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
04 -
In a small saucepan, heat 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil over medium-low heat. Add sliced garlic clove and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in red chili flakes and paprika, cook another 1 minute, then remove from heat. Mix in soy sauce and set aside.
05 -
Add cooked pasta to the skillet with caramelized onions. Pour in chili oil and toss well, adding reserved pasta water as needed to help coat the noodles and bring the sauce together.
06 -
Plate pasta and top generously with grated Parmesan, fresh basil or parsley, and extra chili flakes if desired.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
Caramelize onions slowly over lower heat to achieve a sweet depth of flavor without burning.