Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil

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Sweet, savory, and just the right touch of heat, this Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil is a flavor explosion that transforms humble pantry staples into a restaurant-worthy dish. The deeply caramelized onions create a jammy, golden-brown tangle of sweetness, wrapped lovingly around tender pasta and contrasted with fiery chilli oil.

It’s the kind of weeknight comfort food that’s simple enough to whip up with minimal ingredients but bold enough to make your tastebuds dance. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a hungry table, this pasta brings the warmth and depth of slow-cooked onions with the zing of heat for a satisfying bite every time.

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What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Long, twirlable noodles like spaghetti, linguine, or bucatini work best here. Their shape allows the silky onion strands to cling beautifully to each bite. However, if you’re a fan of textured pastas like rigatoni or fusilli, feel free to go that route—they hold the oil and onion bits in their grooves quite well.

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Ingredients for the Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil

Yellow Onions: The star of the dish, slow-cooked to bring out their natural sugars for a rich, golden caramelization.

Spaghetti or Linguine: Provides the ideal canvas for the luscious onion sauce.

Chilli Oil: Adds a warming kick that cuts through the sweetness and gives the dish bold character.

Olive Oil: Helps with the onion caramelization and adds richness.

Butter: Gives the dish a creamy mouthfeel and balances the heat with fat.

Garlic: Infuses the dish with depth and a hint of umami.

Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every element.

Parsley or Chives (Optional): Fresh herbs add a pop of color and brightness.

Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Boost the spice level if you love heat.

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How To Make the Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil

Step 1: Start the Caramelization

Slice 3 large yellow onions thinly. In a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-low heat, add olive oil and butter. Toss in the onions with a pinch of salt and let them cook slowly, stirring occasionally. This step takes about 30-40 minutes. Patience pays off with rich, sweet, jammy onions.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the onions are working their magic, boil your pasta in well-salted water according to package instructions. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Spice

Once the onions are deeply caramelized, stir in minced garlic and let it cook until fragrant. Then add your desired amount of chilli oil and a small pinch of red pepper flakes if you want extra heat.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the onions. Toss everything together, loosening with reserved pasta water until the sauce becomes glossy and clings to the noodles.

Step 5: Finish with Butter and Herbs

Add a final knob of butter for richness, then sprinkle with freshly cracked pepper and herbs of choice. Serve hot, topped with more chilli oil if you dare.

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How to Serve and Store Caramelized Onion Pasta

This dish is best served immediately while the pasta is still silky and hot, with an extra drizzle of chilli oil and maybe a grating of parmesan for good measure.

To store, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or oil to restore its saucy texture.

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What to Serve With Caramelized Onion Pasta?

Garlic Bread

A crunchy, buttery slice helps scoop up every last bit of sweet and spicy sauce.

Simple Green Salad

Balance the richness with a crisp salad of arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved parmesan.

Roasted Broccoli

Adds earthy contrast and a touch of char to your plate.

Parmesan Crisps

Crunchy, salty bites that amplify the cheesy potential.

Grilled Chicken Thighs

For a protein-packed addition without overpowering the pasta.

Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Their sweetness pairs beautifully with caramelized onions.

Tomato and Cucumber Salad

Cool and refreshing, this helps reset your palate between spicy bites.

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Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If this spicy-sweet pasta hit the spot, you’ll want to try these other creative favorites from Chef Alchemy:

• Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a hearty one-pot comfort.
• Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells that balance creamy and green.
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta when you’re craving pure indulgence.
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta that comes together in a flash.
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for a fun twist on two classics.

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

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go big on the chilli oil? Add a protein? Maybe caramelized shallots instead of onions?

I love seeing your twists on my favorites. Got a question? Leave it below—let’s make dinner magic together.

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