Description
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this irresistible Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil — a fusion of sweet, savory, and spicy in one comforting bowl. Featuring golden caramelized onions, perfectly cooked pasta, and a homemade chili oil that packs just the right amount of heat, this dish is perfect for anyone craving bold flavor with minimal effort. It’s a quick dinner idea, an easy recipe that’s vegetarian-friendly, and the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again. Ideal for easy dinner nights, lunch prep, or whenever you need new food ideas that actually excite you.
Ingredients
12 oz spaghetti or bucatini
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
4 tbsp olive oil, divided
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp sugar (optional)
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional)
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
1/3 cup olive oil (for chilli oil)
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1.5 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Add onions and salt. Cook for 25–30 minutes until deeply golden. Add sugar halfway through if desired.
2. In a small saucepan, heat 1/3 cup olive oil. Add garlic slices and cook on low until golden. Stir in red pepper flakes, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Remove from heat.
3. Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
4. Add cooked pasta to the pan with caramelized onions. Toss gently. Add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
5. Pour in chilli oil and toss again. Adjust spice level to taste.
6. Serve topped with Parmesan and fresh parsley.
Notes
Let onions cook low and slow — this develops their deep sweetness.
Always save some pasta water; it creates a silky, emulsified sauce.
Adjust chili oil quantity to suit your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg