Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil. This simple yet elegant dish features sweet, golden onions sautéed to perfection and combined with your favorite pasta, creating a harmonious blend of rich and spicy flavors. Finished with a drizzle of chili oil and freshly grated Parmesan, this recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests—all in under 30 minutes!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 2 medium sweet onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp chili oil (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (basil or parsley) for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook until golden brown and soft, about 15–20 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and sauté for around 1 minute until fragrant.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water.
- In the onion-garlic pan, mix in the drained pasta and a splash of reserved water. Toss to combine.
- Drizzle with chili oil, season with salt and pepper, then toss again until well-coated.
- Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (250g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 66g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: For added nutrition, consider mixing in sautéed greens like spinach or kale. Swap spaghetti for penne or any preferred pasta shape. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently on the stovetop.