Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil
A delightful pasta dish featuring caramelized onions and a kick of chilli oil, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta Ingredients
- 400 g spaghetti or bucatini Choose your favorite pasta shape.
Main Ingredients
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced These will caramelize to add sweetness.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing the onions.
- 2 teaspoons chilli flakes For a spicy kick, or use 2 tbsp of chilli oil.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Adds aroma to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon salt Plus more to taste.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground For seasoning.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped Optional, for garnish.
- 30 g parmesan or pecorino cheese, grated Optional, for richness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by slicing the onions thinly for quicker caramelization.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat until shimmering.
Cooking
- Add the sliced onions and sauté, stirring often for about 30-40 minutes until they are deep golden-brown.
- While the onions are cooking, fill a large pot with water, bring to a boil, and add salt.
- Once boiling, add the spaghetti or bucatini and cook until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet with the caramelized onions and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet and toss gently, gradually adding reserved pasta water to create a sauce.
- Stir in chilli oil or sprinkle in chilli flakes, mixing well.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Divide pasta into bowls, topping with extra caramelized onions, parsley, and cheese if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use a heavy skillet for even heat distribution. Reserve pasta water for a creamy sauce.