This Caramelized Onion Pasta is super tasty and easy to whip up! The sweet, golden onions mix perfectly with your favorite pasta, giving each bite a delicious flavor.
Add a drizzle of spicy chili oil for that exciting kick. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be craving it again! I love making it for quick dinners—so good and satisfying!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using spaghetti or linguine for this dish, as they hold the sauce beautifully. If you prefer whole grain or gluten-free pasta, those options work well too. Quinoa pasta adds a nutty flavor.
Onions: Yellow onions are perfect for caramelizing due to their sweetness. If you’re in a pinch, you can also use sweet onions like Vidalia or even red onions for a slightly different taste and color.
Chili Oil: The chili oil adds heat; adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance. If you can’t find it, you can mix red pepper flakes into olive oil for a similar effect or use a dash of hot sauce instead.
Chives: Fresh chives add a mild onion flavor. If you don’t have any, green onions or even parsley can be a good substitute. They’ll give a fresh touch to your pasta.
How Can I Caramelize Onions Perfectly?
Caramelizing onions might seem tricky, but it’s all about low and slow cooking. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a large skillet and medium-low heat, adding 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Thinly slice your onions and add them to the skillet with a pinch of salt. This helps draw out moisture.
- Stir occasionally as they cook, allowing them to soften and turn a deep golden brown. It’ll take about 25-30 minutes, be patient!
- Add garlic when the onions are nearly ready for extra flavor, cooking it briefly to avoid burning.
Taking your time is key to getting that rich, sweet flavor! Once done, you’ll see how they transform into a delicious base for your pasta.
Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 200 grams spaghetti or linguine pasta
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons chili oil (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives or green onions
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
For Serving (Optional):
- Grated Parmesan cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation time and an additional 30 minutes for cooking, making it a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a simple yet delightful dish that’s great for a quick dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes until tender but still firm (al dente). When done, drain the pasta, but remember to reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water for later. Set the drained pasta aside.
2. Caramelize the Onions:
While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions along with a pinch of salt. This will help draw out moisture from the onions. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and turn a deep golden brown. This process should take about 25-30 minutes, so be patient and keep a close watch to avoid burning them!
3. Add Garlic:
When the onions are nearly done caramelizing and are beautifully golden, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn.
4. Combine Pasta and Onions:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the caramelized onions. Toss everything together gently, ensuring the pasta is coated with the sweet onion mixture. If it seems a bit dry, you can add some of the reserved pasta water bit by bit until you achieve your desired moisture level.
5. Add Chili Oil:
Drizzle the chili oil over the pasta and then stir everything well to distribute the spicy oil throughout. This will give your dish a wonderful kick!
6. Finish with Chives:
Stir in the chopped chives or green onions for a fresh pop of flavor. Taste your pasta and season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious caramelized onion pasta warm right away. If you like, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. Enjoy every bite!
This pasta dish perfectly balances the sweetness of caramelized onions with the spiciness of chili oil, making it a simple yet satisfying meal. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Any Type of Pasta for This Dish?
Absolutely! While spaghetti or linguine are great choices, you can use any pasta you have on hand, like penne or fettuccine. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for your chosen pasta.
What If I Don’t Have Chili Oil?
No worries! If you don’t have chili oil, you can easily make a substitute by mixing red pepper flakes with olive oil. Start with about a teaspoon of red pepper flakes in a tablespoon of olive oil and adjust to your preferred spice level.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat the pasta gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or olive oil to help loosen it up if it seems dry.
Can I Make This Dish Veggie-Friendly?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegetarian, but you can make it even heartier by adding sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Just cook them together with the onions for an extra boost of flavor!
