Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil
A delightful dish that combines the sweetness of caramelized onions with the heat of chili oil, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta Choose any shape, long pasta like spaghetti or linguine works best.
Caramelized Onions
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing the onions.
- 1 large yellow onion Thinly sliced for caramelization.
- 3 cloves garlic Minced for added flavor.
- to taste salt and pepper For seasoning.
Chili Oil
- 3 tablespoons olive oil Extra virgin works best.
- 1 tablespoon red chili flakes Adjust for spice tolerance.
- 1 teaspoon paprika For added smokiness.
- 1 small garlic clove Thinly sliced to infuse the oil.
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce Adds umami flavor.
Garnishes
- Grated Parmesan cheese For added creaminess.
- Fresh basil or parsley Chopped for freshness.
- Extra chili flakes Optional, for additional heat.
Instructions
Caramelizing the Onions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the thinly sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.
- Add minced garlic for the last few minutes and season with salt and pepper.
Making the Chili Oil
- In a small saucepan, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over low heat.
- Add red chili flakes, sliced garlic, paprika, and soy sauce.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
Cooking the Pasta
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve some pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Combining Ingredients
- In the pan with caramelized onions, add the cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Drizzle the chili oil over the pasta and toss everything together until well combined.
Garnishing and Serving
- Divide the pasta into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil or parsley, and extra chili flakes if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or oil. Adjust chili flakes to suit your spice preference. For a creamy version, add heavy cream or cream cheese after combining the pasta and onions. Try adding spinach or other vegetables for added nutrition.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5g
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