Quick & Luscious Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand simplicity and bold garlic-infused caramelized onion pasta with chilli oil that spark excitement at the table.

Slowly cooked onions melt into golden strands of deliciousness.

Sweet caramelization meets spicy chilli heat in this effortless comfort dish.

Each twirl of pasta carries rich, deeply developed flavors that dance across your palate.

Minimal ingredients combine to create maximum taste sensations.

The contrast between sweet onions and fiery chilli oil transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

You’ll fall in love with this surprisingly easy recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.

Caramelized Onion Pasta With Chilli Oil Warmth

• Fusion of Flavors: Merge the classic comfort of apple pie with the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake for a dessert that delivers two beloved treats in one spectacular slice.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or special celebrations where you want to impress guests with a show-stopping, indulgent dessert that combines familiar and exciting flavors.
• Baker's Delight: Offers a slightly advanced baking challenge that allows creative home bakers to explore layering techniques and play with classic dessert combinations, making it exciting for cooking enthusiasts.
• Adaptable Presentation: Provides flexibility in styling – you can choose to swirl the apple mixture or keep distinct layers, giving bakers a chance to personalize their dessert's visual appeal.

Ingredient List for Onion Pasta With Chilli Oil

• Spaghetti: A long, thin pasta that serves as the base for this creamy and spicy dish.
• Red Onions: Provide a sweet and caramelized flavor to the pasta sauce.
• Chili Oil: Adds a spicy kick and depth of flavor to the recipe.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and smooth sauce that coats the pasta.

• Garlic, Parsley: Enhance the overall flavor profile with their fresh and aromatic notes.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds complexity to the sauce.
• Salt: Balances and brings out the flavors of the other ingredients.

• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty and nutty finish to the pasta dish.

Steps for Cooking Caramelized Onion Pasta

Step 1: Boil Water and Cook Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Sprinkle in salt and gently drop spaghetti into the bubbling water.

Cook according to package guidelines until perfectly al dente. Before draining, carefully scoop out some pasta water and set aside.

Drain the pasta and let it rest.

Step 2: Create Golden Caramelized Onions

Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat.

Add sliced red onions and let them dance in the pan. Stir occasionally, allowing onions to transform into a rich, golden-brown masterpiece.

This process takes about 6-7 minutes, developing deep, sweet flavors.

Step 3: Enhance with Aromatic Garlic

Introduce chopped garlic to the caramelized onions.

Let it sizzle and release its fragrant essence for 1-2 minutes. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that promises deliciousness.

Step 4: Build a Creamy Spicy Sauce

Drizzle in chilli oil and pour cream into the pan. Gently blend the ingredients, creating a luscious sauce.

• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Stir until everything harmonizes into a velvety mixture.

Step 5: Marry Pasta with Sauce

Transfer the cooked spaghetti into the skillet.

Toss and coat each strand thoroughly. If the sauce seems thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect consistency.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a flourish of chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while the pasta is warm and inviting.

Notes for Flavorful Onion Pasta Each Time

• Stir occasionally and maintain medium heat to prevent burning, ensuring sweet, golden-brown onions without bitter edges.
• Adjust chili oil quantity based on personal heat preference, starting with small amounts and tasting gradually.
• Reserved starchy water helps create silky sauce texture and helps ingredients cling perfectly to spaghetti strands.
• Grate fresh Parmesan directly into the sauce for deeper, more authentic flavor compared to pre-grated alternatives.
• Replace cream and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.

Variations for Caramelized Onion Pasta Lovers

• Vegan Onion Pasta Fusion: Replace cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a plant-based version that maintains creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Spicy Noodle Blend: Swap spaghetti with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta made from rice or chickpea flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Substitute chili oil with olive oil and add fresh basil, oregano, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Replace pasta with roasted cauliflower florets, keeping the caramelized onion and spicy sauce for a lighter, keto-friendly option.

Sides That Go With Onion Pasta Dishes

• Pair Spicy Red Wine: Select a bold, fruity red like Zinfandel or Syrah to complement the pasta's rich, spicy flavors and cut through the creamy sauce.
• Enhance with Crisp Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness and provide a fresh, peppery contrast.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Serve toasted sourdough bread rubbed with garlic to soak up the delicious sauce and add a complementary crunchy texture.
• Cool with Citrus Mocktail: Prepare a refreshing lemon-mint mocktail to cleanse the palate and counteract the chili oil's heat with bright, zesty notes.

Best Way to Store Onion Pasta Leftovers

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and preserve texture.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent dryness. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Revive pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream or pasta water to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently until heated evenly.
• Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

• What makes caramelized onions so flavorful?

Caramelizing onions breaks down their natural sugars, creating a rich, sweet, and deep flavor. The slow cooking process transforms the onions from sharp and crunchy to soft, golden brown, and intensely delicious.

• Why use chili oil in this pasta dish?

Chili oil adds a spicy kick and complex flavor to the creamy sauce, creating a perfect balance between heat and richness. It elevates the overall taste profile of the pasta, making it more exciting and vibrant.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, while spaghetti works great, you can substitute with other long pasta like linguine or fettuccine. These noodles will hold the creamy sauce equally well and provide a similar delightful eating experience.

Caramelized Onion Pasta With Chilli Oil Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Creamy caramelized onion pasta with chilli oil brings comfort and bold flavors to weeknight dinners. Rich Italian-inspired ingredients blend perfectly, creating a simple yet sophisticated meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 2 servings spaghetti (or pasta of choice)

Protein and Dairy:

• 1/2 cup cream
• Parmesan cheese (amount as desired)

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
• 3–4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1–2 teaspoons salt

Oils and Condiments:

• 2 tablespoons chili oil
• 3 tablespoons olive oil

Garnish:

• Chopped parsley

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil, adding two teaspoons of salt for enhanced flavor.
2. Submerge spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
3. Carefully extract 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water before draining the noodles, then set pasta aside.
4. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, ensuring the pan is evenly heated.
5. Introduce sliced red onions to the pan, allowing them to caramelize for 6-7 minutes while gently stirring, developing a rich golden-brown color.
6. Incorporate minced garlic into the onion mixture, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until aromatic and slightly softened.
7. Drizzle chili oil and pour cream into the pan, whisking thoroughly to create a smooth, unified sauce.
8. Enhance the sauce with Italian seasoning, salt, and optional Parmesan cheese for depth of flavor.
9. Transfer cooked spaghetti into the skillet, meticulously coating each strand with the creamy sauce.
10. Adjust sauce consistency by adding reserved pasta water if needed, ensuring a silky texture.
11. Finish the dish by garnishing with fresh chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Slice onions uniformly to ensure even caramelization and golden-brown color without burning.
• Use low to medium heat when caramelizing onions to develop deep, sweet flavor without scorching.
• Keep pasta water starchy and salty, which helps create a silky sauce and enhances overall dish flavor.
• Adjust chili oil quantity based on personal spice tolerance for customized heat level.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 620 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg