Description
This caramelized onion pasta with chilli oil is the kind of easy dinner that feels cozy, flavorful, and a little special at the same time. Sweet golden onions melt into silky spaghetti, while chilli oil adds a gentle kick that makes every bite more exciting. It is a simple pasta recipe made with everyday ingredients, perfect for quick dinner ideas, easy recipe inspiration, comforting food ideas, and satisfying weeknight meals.
Ingredients
12 oz spaghetti
3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 to 3 tbsp chilli oil
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp salt, plus more for pasta water
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
2. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
3. Add the sliced onions and 1 teaspoon salt, then cook slowly for 25 to 35 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are soft, deep golden, and caramelized.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss well with the caramelized onions.
6. Pour in the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the pasta looks glossy and lightly coated.
7. Drizzle in the chilli oil and toss again to distribute the heat evenly.
8. Add the Parmesan cheese and black pepper, then toss until combined.
9. Finish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot with extra chilli oil if desired.
Notes
Use medium-low heat for the onions so they turn sweet and golden instead of burning.
Reserve the pasta water before draining because it helps create a silky sauce that clings to the noodles.
Start with less chilli oil, then add more at the end if you want a stronger spicy finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 69g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: caramelized onion pasta, chilli oil pasta, easy dinner, pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, comfort food, food ideas