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+ servings

Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil

This comforting pasta dish features rich caramelized onions and a drizzle of spicy chili oil, creating a magical balance of warmth and depth. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without the fuss.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 12 oz pasta (any shape; spaghetti, penne, or linguine recommended) Choose your favorite pasta shape
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For caramelizing onions
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced Main flavor component
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Adds flavor to the dish
  • Salt and pepper, to taste To season the dish
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (for the chili oil) Base for the chili oil
  • 1 tablespoon red chili flakes Adjust to taste for heat preference
  • 1 teaspoon paprika For extra flavor
  • 1 small garlic clove, thinly sliced For the chili oil
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce Enhances flavor
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, to taste Can substitute with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped For garnish
  • Extra chili flakes, optional For additional heat

Method
 

Caramelizing the Onions
  1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over low heat.
  2. Add the sliced onion and a pinch of salt. Let it cook gently for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns a deep golden brown.
Preparing the Chili Oil
  1. In a separate pan, combine 3 tablespoons of olive oil, red chili flakes, paprika, and the thinly sliced garlic clove.
  2. Heat this mixture gently until it becomes fragrant.
  3. Stir in the soy sauce and allow the flavors to meld for a minute or two.
Cooking the Pasta
  1. Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of the pasta water!
Combining Ingredients
  1. Toss the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the caramelized onions.
  2. Mix everything well, adding the reserved pasta water gradually to achieve your desired creaminess.
  3. Drizzle the prepared chili oil over the pasta, toss it gently, and serve hot.
  4. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped herbs.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 12gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2g

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for about one month. Reheat with a splash of olive oil or water. You can experiment with shallots or sun-dried tomatoes for additional flavor.

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