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Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil

Sweet caramelized onions meet spicy chili oil in this simple, glossy, flavor-packed pasta dish ready in 30 minutes.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Fusion, Italian-Inspired
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 lb spaghetti or linguine
  • 3 large onions thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic sliced or minced
  • 0.25 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp red chili flakes or to taste
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 0.5 cup pasta water reserved from boiling
Garnish
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 pinch salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet or Pan
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Slice onions thinly and mince garlic.
  2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring often, for 20-25 minutes until caramelized and jammy.
  4. Meanwhile, boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  5. Add garlic and chili flakes to the onions; sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  6. Deglaze the pan with balsamic vinegar.
  7. Add cooked pasta and 1/2 cup pasta water to the skillet. Toss vigorously to emulsify the sauce.
  8. Season with salt, pepper, and garnish with parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

Low and slow is key for the onions—don't burn them!