Description
This Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil is a comforting Italian-inspired main course featuring sweet, slowly caramelized onions and a fragrant spicy chili oil. Tossed with tender linguine and finished with butter and Parmesan, this vegetarian dish balances savory, sweet, and heat for an easy yet flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
Caramelized Onions
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Chilli Oil
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
To Serve
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 20 to 25 minutes until they become deeply golden and caramelized. Stir in the balsamic vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper, then cook for another 2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Make the Chilli Oil: Meanwhile, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, sautéing for 2 to 3 minutes until the garlic turns golden and fragrant. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.
- Combine Butter and Pasta: Add the unsalted butter to the caramelized onions and stir until melted. Then, toss in the cooked pasta along with the prepared chili oil and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated and the sauce clings to each strand.
- Serve: Plate the pasta warm, topping with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley if desired, for a final touch of flavor and color.
Notes
- For added richness, stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese.
- You can top the pasta with toasted breadcrumbs to add a delightful crunch.
- Adjust the amount of chili oil and red pepper flakes to control the spice level according to your preference.
