Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil 

Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil is a beautifully simple yet flavorful dish featuring sweet, jammy onions slow-cooked to perfection, then draped over al dente pasta and lightly dressed with a fragrant, mildly spicy chilli oil. The sweet-savory balance of the onions and the subtle heat from the chilli oil create an indulgent, yet approachable meal. Ready in about 35 minutes, this vegetarian pasta is ideal for weeknight dinners or a cozy date night. Garnish with a sprinkle of parsley or Parmesan to elevate the flavors even more.

Ingredients (serves 4)

Pasta & Boiling

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta of your choice (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
  
  

Caramelized Onions

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  
  

• 2 Tbsp olive oil
  
  

• 1 Tbsp butter
  
  

• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to aid caramelization)
  
  

• Salt and pepper, to taste
  
  

Chilli Oil

• ¼ cup olive oil
  
  

• 1 Tbsp dried chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  
  

• 1 garlic clove, minced
  
  

• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  
  

• ½ tsp salt
  
  

Garnish (optional)

• Fresh parsley, chopped
  
  

• Grated Parmesan cheese
  
  

• Extra chilli oil for more heat
  
  

Directions

1. Make the Chilli Oil
   In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and chili flakes. Stir and cook for about 2–3 minutes until the garlic turns golden and fragrant, taking care not to burn it. Remove from heat and let the oil infuse.
   
   

2. Caramelize the Onions
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium–low heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally and cook slowly for about 20–25 minutes, until onions become soft, jammy, and deeply golden-brown. Optionally, sprinkle sugar early on to boost caramelization.
   
   

3. Cook the Pasta
   Meanwhile, boil salted water and cook pasta per package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ to 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
   
   

4. Combine Pasta & Onions
   Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the caramelized onions. Toss together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to form a light coating and help the mixture cling to the noodles.
   
   

5. Drizzle with Chilli Oil
   Pour the infused chilli oil over the pasta and toss again. Make sure the pasta is evenly coated. Taste and adjust heat by adding more chili flakes or oil if desired.
   
   

6. Serve
   Plate the pasta immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if using, and serve with extra chilli oil for more spice.
   
   

Nutrition Information (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: ~400 kcal
  
  

• Protein: ~8 g
  
  

• Fat: ~15 g
  
  

• Carbohydrates: ~55 g
  
  

• Fiber: ~2 g
  
  

• Sugar: ~6 g
  
  

• Sodium: ~800 mg (varies with salt and cheese)