Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil

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Rich, sweet, and spicy all in one bite, this Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil is the kind of comfort food that surprises you with every forkful. The onions are cooked low and slow until they turn deeply golden and jammy, then tossed with al dente pasta and finished with a generous drizzle of homemade chilli oil. It’s both indulgent and refreshingly simple.

This dish is proof that a few pantry staples can become something special. You get a subtle heat from the chilli oil that perfectly complements the sweetness of the caramelized onions. And while it tastes restaurant-level good, it’s made entirely in one pan (plus your pasta pot), which makes it a weeknight winner.

Why You’ll Love This Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil

This pasta recipe checks all the boxes: minimal ingredients, rich flavor, and a little heat to keep things interesting. It’s a vegetarian dish that doesn’t skimp on depth or heartiness. The chilli oil can be customized to your heat tolerance, and the whole thing comes together in under an hour.

What Type of Pasta Works Best Here?

You can really use any pasta you love, but long noodles like linguine or spaghetti work best for clinging onto the glossy onion sauce. They help coat every bite with that irresistible mixture of umami, sweetness, and heat. If you want something a bit more toothsome, bucatini is another excellent choice.

Ingredients for the Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil

The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity. These ingredients are likely already in your kitchen, but they combine into something truly elegant.

Yellow onions add the foundational sweetness and depth after a slow caramelization process.

Olive oil helps soften the onions and is the base for our chilli infusion.

Salt draws out the moisture and enhances the natural sweetness of the onions.

Garlic adds aromatic warmth to balance the richness.

Red pepper flakes or chilli flakes give that essential fiery kick to the oil.

Pasta like linguine, spaghetti, or bucatini works best to wrap around the onions and hold the sauce.

Pasta water is crucial to loosen the sauce and create that beautiful gloss.

Parmesan cheese brings in savory, nutty notes to round out each bite.

Butter finishes the dish with a touch of silkiness.

How To Make the Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

In a large skillet over medium-low heat, add olive oil and thinly sliced yellow onions. Stir frequently and cook slowly for 30 to 40 minutes until the onions are golden brown and soft. Add a pinch of salt midway to draw out moisture.

Step 2: Infuse the Chilli Oil

In a small saucepan, heat more olive oil with garlic and red pepper flakes until fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the onions caramelize, boil your pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Add the cooked pasta to the onions in the skillet. Pour in the chilli oil and a bit of the reserved pasta water. Toss well to coat. Add a knob of butter and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until creamy and saucy, adding more pasta water if needed.

Step 5: Serve and Finish

Plate the pasta and top with extra Parmesan and a final drizzle of chilli oil for a bold finish.

How to Serve and Store Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil

This recipe feeds about 3 to 4 people generously, especially when served with a side dish or salad. It’s best enjoyed fresh while the pasta is glossy and the heat from the chilli oil is still singing.

If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet with a splash of water to bring back the sauce.

What to Serve With Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil?

A Crisp Green Salad

A lemony arugula or mixed greens salad adds contrast and freshness.

Roasted Vegetables

Think roasted broccolini, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for a hearty, colorful side.

Garlic Bread

Classic and comforting, the crunchy bread soaks up every drop of that chilli-infused oil.

Burrata

Creamy burrata served on the side balances the heat and richness beautifully.

Grilled Shrimp

For some extra protein, a few skewers of grilled shrimp go perfectly with this pasta.

Tomato Basil Soup

A small cup of vibrant soup complements the sweetness of the onions.

Sparkling Water with Citrus

Helps cleanse the palate between bites.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Bold Twist?

If you love this spicy and savory pasta, you might enjoy these flavorful dishes too:

• Creamy Mushroom Ravioli for an earthy, comforting twist.
• Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni if you want something extra hearty.
• Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta Recipe for smoky heat and spice.
• Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine for a buttery, bold dinner option.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna if you’re in the mood for layers of flavor.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

I’d love to hear how yours turns out. Did you make your chilli oil extra spicy? Add herbs or swap cheeses? Let me know in the comments. Let’s share tips and inspire each other to cook bold, delicious meals at home.

Explore more comfort food and health-boosting dinner inspiration on Luna Meals on Pinterest.

Conclusion

Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil is one of those recipes that manages to be both cozy and sophisticated. It takes humble ingredients and turns them into something unforgettable with just a little time and care. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining friends, this is a dish that delivers every time.

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