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Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil

A rich, sweet-spicy pasta made with slow-cooked caramelized onions and a drizzle of homemade chili oil. Simple, comforting, and absolutely delicious.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 plates
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Fusion, Italian
Calories: 460
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter or vegan butter
  • 3 yellow onions thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp balsamic vinegar optional
  • salt and black pepper to taste
Chili Oil
  • 0.25 cup olive oil
  • 1.5 tsp red chili flakes
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 clove garlic smashed
Garnish
  • parsley chopped
  • parmesan or vegan cheese

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Pasta pot
  • Strainer
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions and salt; cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 25–30 minutes until caramelized.
  2. Add minced garlic and balsamic vinegar; cook 1 minute more. Remove from heat.
  3. Cook pasta until al dente; reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain.
  4. In a small pan, make chili oil by heating olive oil with chili flakes, paprika, and garlic. Infuse for 3–4 minutes, then remove from heat.
  5. Combine pasta with onions and half of the chili oil. Add pasta water gradually, tossing until glossy.
  6. Serve hot, drizzled with extra chili oil and topped with parsley and parmesan.

Notes

Adjust chili level to taste; store chili oil in a sealed jar for up to a week.