🍝 Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil: A Bold and Comforting Weeknight Favorite

If you’ve ever wondered how to make a simple bowl of pasta taste like something from a cozy bistro, Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil is your answer. This dish takes humble pantry staples—pasta, onions, olive oil—and transforms them into something rich, savory, and full of character. The sweet depth of slow-cooked onions meets the vibrant kick of homemade chilli oil, creating a balance of sweet, spicy, and umami in every bite.

Perfect for meatless Mondays, easy weeknights, or impressing dinner guests with minimal effort, this recipe is proof that less can be more—when done right.

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor-packed with minimal ingredients
• Comforting and elegant at the same time
• Budget-friendly and pantry-ready
• Easily made vegan
• Ready in about 35 minutes

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

For the Caramelized Onion Pasta:

• 250g (about 9 oz) spaghetti or linguine
• 2 large yellow or sweet onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan or Pecorino (optional)

For the Homemade Chilli Oil:

• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 2–3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1½ teaspoons red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• A pinch of salt

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Start Caramelizing the Onions

1. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, add olive oil and sliced onions.
2. Stir occasionally for 25–30 minutes, allowing the onions to slowly caramelize. Add a pinch of salt to help them release moisture.
3. Once golden brown and soft, stir in butter (if using) for extra richness.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t rush the onions! The magic happens slowly—let them take their time to deepen in flavor.

Step 2: Make the Chilli Oil

1. While onions are cooking, heat ⅓ cup of olive oil in a small pan over low heat.
2. Add sliced garlic and let it sizzle gently for 1–2 minutes (don’t let it burn).
3. Add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Stir and remove from heat.
4. Let it steep for at least 5 minutes before using. Strain if you prefer a smooth oil.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

1. Add cooked pasta to the caramelized onions in the skillet.
2. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until a glossy sauce forms.
3. Drizzle in chilli oil to taste and toss again.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and grated cheese if using.

For Complete Cooking STEPS Please Head On Over To Next Page Or Open button (>) and don’t forget to SHARE with your Facebook friends