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Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil


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  • Author: amelia
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A delightful pasta dish featuring caramelized onions and spicy chili oil, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or linguine)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil for chili oil
  • 1 tablespoon red chili flakes
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 small garlic clove, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • Extra chili flakes, optional

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Sauté until the onions are a deep golden brown—about 15-20 minutes.
  2. Make the chili oil: In a separate small saucepan, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over low heat. Add the red chili flakes, paprika, and sliced garlic. Infuse for about 5 minutes, then stir in the soy sauce and set aside.
  3. Cook the pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water, drain the rest, and set aside.
  4. Combine the pasta and onions: Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the caramelized onions. Pour over the chili oil and toss everything well, adding reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce.
  5. Garnish and serve: Plate the pasta, adding grated Parmesan cheese and chopped herbs on top. Sprinkle extra chili flakes for more heat, if desired.

Notes

This dish is perfect as a main course and pairs well with a light salad or garlic bread.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Boiling and Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg