Name: Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil: Easy & Delicious Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz (340g) pasta of your choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne works well); Salt (for boiling pasta water); 2 large onions, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to help caramelize); Salt and pepper, to taste; 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 (for chili oil); Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish); Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish); Extra chili oil (optional, for garnish)

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Let me introduce you to your new weeknight hero: Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil: Easy & Delicious! This pasta is a glorious marriage of deeply sweet onions, a slick of homemade chili oil, and that irresistible tangle of noodles—all ready in just over half an hour. The dish hits that sweet spot of comforting and sophisticated, and it’s so packed with layers of flavor and texture that it tastes like you worked on it all day. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just looking for something bold and new, this recipe is destined to become a staple at your table.

Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil: Easy & Delicious Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil: Easy & Delicious is that every ingredient truly matters. These are simple pantry staples, each one punching above its weight to bring you deep, complex, and crave-worthy flavors.

Pasta (12 oz): Choose any shape—spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne all soak up the sweet onions and spicy oil beautifully.
Salt: Heavily salt your pasta water for the best flavor infusion right from the start.
Onions (2 large, thinly sliced): The star of this recipe, delivering melt-in-your mouth sweetness and complexity as they caramelize.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons for onions + 1/4 cup for chili oil): Divided for lush caramelizing and for that addictive chili oil drizzle.
Butter (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps the onions caramelize to perfection—swap for vegan butter if you prefer.
Sugar (1 teaspoon, optional): Speeds up the caramelization process and enhances the onions’ natural sweetness.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Seasoning essentials to balance and highlight every layer.
Chili flakes (1 tablespoon, adjustable): The source of that bold, peppery heat—add more or less for the right kick.
Garlic (1 clove, minced): Adds backbone and aroma to your homemade chili oil.
Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For a subtle smoky undertone that takes the oil to another level.
Fresh parsley (chopped, optional): For a burst of color and freshness on top.
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Brings a nutty, salty finish—skip or swap for a vegan alternative if needed.
Extra chili oil (optional): Add if you love some extra heat and sheen to your finished pasta.

How to Make Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil: Easy & Delicious

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil—don’t skimp on the salt, as this is your first chance to infuse the pasta with flavor. Cook your chosen noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Right before draining, scoop out half a cup of that liquid gold—starchy pasta water—which will help bring the whole sauce together later.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

This is where the transformation happens! In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Toss in the thinly sliced onions along with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and that pinch of sugar if you’re using it. Stir gently every few minutes. After about 20-25 minutes, you’ll see the onions turn glossy, golden, and wonderfully sweet. Have patience—this is the backbone of your Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil: Easy & Delicious!

Step 3: Prepare the Chilli Oil

In a small pan, gently heat the olive oil over low heat—you don’t want it too hot or your garlic will burn. Add the chili flakes, minced garlic, smoked paprika (if using), and salt. Stir for just a minute or two until aromatic. As soon as it smells amazing and the garlic has softened (but not browned), take it off the heat. You’ve just made your own chili oil in under five minutes!

Step 4: Combine Everything

Now it’s time for the finale. Add the drained pasta straight into that pan of irresistible caramelized onions. Pour in your reserved pasta water to help marry the noodles and onions into one glossy, velvety dish. Finish it off with a generous drizzle of your freshly made chili oil, tossing everything together so the spice and sweetness mingle with every strand.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Dish out your Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil: Easy & Delicious while it’s steamy and hot. Shower each bowl with freshly chopped parsley for brightness, a snow of Parmesan for richness, and a final flourish of extra chili oil if you like things lively. Then, dig in—the pasta waits for no one!

How to Serve Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil: Easy & Delicious

Garnishes

A handful of fresh parsley adds a pop of green and a refreshing flavor that lightens up the dish. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese brings a nutty creaminess that’s hard to resist. Feeling bold? An extra drizzle of chili oil amps up the heat and gives your Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil: Easy & Delicious even more gloss.

Side Dishes

Pair this pasta with a crisp, lemony arugula salad, garlicky roasted broccoli, or buttery garlic bread for a well-rounded meal. The subtle heat and sweet onion base make this the perfect centerpiece for a cozy dinner with friends or family.

Creative Ways to Present

Swirl the noodles into little nests for an elegant touch, or serve family-style in a big warm bowl for everyone to dig in. Individual pasta bowls topped with artful drizzles of chili oil and a leaf or two of fresh parsley turn this dish into a restaurant-worthy presentation right at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil: Easy & Delicious in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making leftovers even more irresistible the next day.

Freezing

While the pasta and onions themselves freeze reasonably well for up to a month, the fresh chili oil and garnishes are best made fresh. Freeze portions without garnishes, then reheat and add fresh chili oil and cheese to revive all those dynamic flavors.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen things up. If microwaving, cover the pasta to prevent drying out, then finish with a final drizzle of chili oil and a sprinkling of parmesan.

FAQs

Can I make this dish vegan?

Absolutely! Just swap out the butter for your favorite plant-based alternative and skip the Parmesan in favor of a vegan hard cheese or nutritional yeast. Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil: Easy & Delicious is every bit as satisfying when made vegan.

What kind of pasta works best here?

This dish is wonderfully versatile. Long strands like spaghetti or fettuccine catch the onions and oil perfectly, but shaped pasta like penne or rigatoni works too—use what you love or have on hand.

How spicy is this pasta?

The heat is entirely up to you! Start with less chili flake and taste the oil, adding more if you want a bolder kick. The beauty of Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil: Easy & Delicious is how easily you can personalize the spice to suit everyone at your table.

What’s the best way to get perfectly caramelized onions?

Time and low, steady heat are essential. Stirring every few minutes and keeping your heat at medium-low lets the onions release their sugars and turn deeply golden without burning. A pinch of sugar helps, but patience is your best friend here!

Can I add protein to this dish?

Definitely. Top with a fried or poached egg for creamy richness, toss in sautéed mushrooms for earthy heft, or add grilled chicken or shrimp if you want a heartier meal. Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil: Easy & Delicious loves any creative twist you add.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to shake up your weeknight dinner routine, give Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil: Easy & Delicious a try. It’s bold, comforting, and comes together with just a handful of everyday ingredients. Serve it up with pride, and get ready for glowing reviews at the table!