Description
Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil is a quick dinner packed with deep savory flavor, silky pasta, and sweet golden onions. This easy recipe turns simple pantry staples into one of those comforting food ideas you will want for busy weeknights, cozy dinner ideas, and satisfying pasta nights with just the right amount of heat.
Ingredients
12 oz fettuccine or linguine
3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp chilli oil
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup reserved pasta water, more as needed
1 tsp kosher salt, plus more for pasta water
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
3. Add the sliced onions with the salt and cook slowly for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring often, until deeply golden, soft, and caramelized.
4. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add the chilli oil and stir for another 30 seconds to bloom the flavor.
6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss well with the onions.
7. Pour in the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the pasta looks glossy and lightly coated.
8. Add the Parmesan cheese, black pepper, parsley, and red pepper flakes if using, then toss again.
9. Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve hot with extra Parmesan or chilli oil if desired.
Notes
Keep the heat at medium-low while cooking the onions so they turn sweet and jammy instead of burning.
Reserve the pasta water before draining because it helps create a silky sauce that clings to the noodles.
Start with less chilli oil if you are sensitive to spice, then add more at the end to control the heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 565
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 72g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: caramelized onion pasta, chilli oil pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, dinner ideas, easy dinner, comfort food, pasta dinner, weeknight pasta