Description
A comforting pasta dish made with sweet caramelized onions, rich garlic, and a vibrant homemade chili oil. Simple ingredients, bold flavor, and completely customizable.
Ingredients
Pasta & Onions
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, penne, etc.)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Chili Oil
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 small garlic clove, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
Finishing
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Extra chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain. - Caramelize the Onions
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and soft. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute more. - Make the Chili Oil
In a small pan, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil over low heat. Add chili flakes, paprika, and sliced garlic. Warm for 2–3 minutes. Stir in soy sauce and remove from heat. - Combine Everything
Add cooked pasta to the onions. Pour in half the chili oil and toss well. Add a splash of pasta water to create a silky sauce. Adjust with more chili oil, salt, or pepper. - Serve
Top with Parmesan, fresh herbs, and extra chili flakes if desired.
Notes
- Caramelize onions slowly for the best flavor — don’t rush this step.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer chili flakes.
- Add greens like spinach or arugula for extra nutrition.
- For vegan: use nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan.
- Chili oil can be made ahead and stored for up to 2 weeks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes