Name: Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 servings spaghetti (or pasta of choice); 2 tbsp chili oil; ½ cup cream; 1 large red onion, thinly sliced; 3 tbsp olive oil; 3-4 cloves garlic, chopped; 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; Salt, to taste (~1-2 tsp); Parmesan cheese; Chopped parsley

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a comforting yet bold dish that brings together the sweet richness of caramelized onions and the fiery kick of chilli oil, this Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil is about to become your new favorite! The sweetness of the onions, perfectly paired with a spicy drizzle of homemade chili oil, creates a harmonious flavor bomb that will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, you’ll love the balance of flavors here—smooth, spicy, and a little bit sweet. Ready to dive in?

Why You’ll Love Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil

This dish isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy solo night in, a dinner party with friends, or looking to impress your family, this pasta fits any occasion. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

Versatile: This pasta dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining. It’s quick to pull together but still impressive enough for a crowd. Picture serving this at your next dinner gathering—guests will rave about the layers of flavor!
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple ingredients like onions and pasta, this dish doesn’t break the bank. It proves you don’t need fancy ingredients to create something sensational.
Quick and Easy: No complicated techniques here! The steps are straightforward, and the result is always delicious. If you’re looking for a stress-free meal that delivers, this is it.
Customizable: Don’t be afraid to get creative. Want a stronger kick of heat? Add more chili oil. Prefer a milder taste? Adjust the chili to suit your preferences.
Crowd-Pleasing: The sweet, savory, and spicy flavors are universally loved, making it perfect for both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic of this pasta—it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:

Pasta: The base of the dish! Opt for your favorite type of pasta—spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne works wonderfully. It’s your canvas for all those glorious flavors.

Caramelized Onions: The star of the show. Slowly cooked to golden perfection, these onions are incredibly sweet and savory. They add depth and a lovely richness to the dish.

Olive Oil: Used both for caramelizing the onions and drizzling over the pasta. The richness of the olive oil makes the flavors come together beautifully.

Chilli Oil: This is where the magic happens! The heat from the chili oil brings a wonderful kick that contrasts with the sweetness of the caramelized onions.

Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a savory base to balance out the sweetness of the onions. It’s the perfect aromatics that ties everything together.

Parmesan Cheese: To finish it off, a sprinkle of grated parmesan adds saltiness and umami that elevates the dish. You can’t go wrong with that finishing touch.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Prepare the Pasta: Start by boiling the pasta in salted water. Cook until it’s al dente—don’t forget to reserve a cup of pasta water for later. This starchy water will help create a silky sauce.

Caramelize the Onions: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes until they turn golden and sweet. Be patient—it’s worth the wait!

Make the Chilli Oil: In a small saucepan, heat a bit of olive oil and add chili flakes. Let it simmer for a minute to infuse the oil with all that spicy goodness.

Combine: Add the garlic to the caramelized onions and cook for another minute until fragrant. Then, toss in your cooked pasta, adding a little reserved pasta water to help the sauce cling to the noodles. Drizzle in that homemade chili oil, giving everything a good toss until it’s coated with that irresistible heat and richness.

Serve: Plate the pasta, and for the finishing touch, sprinkle freshly grated parmesan over the top. Serve warm, and get ready for everyone to fall in love with the flavors.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, so feel free to get creative:

Fresh Salads: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette makes for a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory pasta.
Crusty Bread: Serve with some warm, crusty bread to scoop up any sauce that’s left behind. Garlic bread would be a winner here too!
Vegetable Sides: Roasted vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, complement the richness of the pasta and add a pop of color.
As a Standalone: Honestly, this dish is hearty enough on its own. Just garnish with some extra parmesan and fresh herbs to make it shine.

Presentation is key! Serve the pasta in a deep bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top, and maybe even a drizzle of extra chili oil for an added pop of color and flavor.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Prep Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can caramelize the onions ahead of time. Store them in the fridge, and just reheat when you’re ready to assemble the dish.
Spice It Up: Love more heat? Try adding a bit more chili oil or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pasta.
Make it Vegan: Swap the parmesan for a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan with a splash of olive oil for best results.
Double the Batch: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd. Double the ingredients and you’ll have a delicious meal ready for tomorrow!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute the chili oil with something else?
A1: You can use regular olive oil with chili flakes or even hot sauce if you don’t have chili oil. It’ll still bring the heat, just with a slightly different flavor profile.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can make the caramelized onions and even cook the pasta ahead of time. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the onions and toss everything together with the chili oil.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to keep the pasta from drying out.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: While pasta dishes don’t freeze perfectly, you can freeze the caramelized onions and chili oil separately. When ready to eat, just reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: The best way to reheat is on the stove. Add a little olive oil or water and gently warm over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Of course! This recipe doubles perfectly. Just make sure to use a large enough pan to accommodate all the ingredients.

Q7: Is it okay to use a different type of pasta?
A7: Absolutely! You can use any type of pasta you prefer. Long pasta like spaghetti works best for this recipe, but short pasta like penne or rigatoni will work too.

Q8: Can I add protein to this dish?
A8: Definitely! Grilled chicken, crispy bacon, or sautéed shrimp would be great additions if you want to make this a heartier meal.

Q9: Can I use store-bought caramelized onions?
A9: While homemade caramelized onions are best, you can use store-bought if you’re short on time. Just be sure to give them a quick reheat and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Q10: How do I make this dish gluten-free?
A10: Simply use gluten-free pasta, and you’ll have a gluten-free version of this delicious dish.

Conclusion

Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil is the kind of dish that will make you feel like a kitchen pro—even if it’s your first time making pasta! The sweet, savory, and spicy flavors are a perfect match, and I guarantee everyone at your table will ask for the recipe. Whether you’re feeding your family, friends, or just treating yourself, this pasta will quickly become a favorite in your rotation. So go ahead—give it a try and enjoy every single bite!