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Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil

A glossy, savory, and spicy pasta dish featuring deeply caramelized onions and aromatic chili oil. Quick enough for weeknights but tastes like a restaurant meal.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 2 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Fusion, Italian-Asian
Calories: 580
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta Base
  • 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
  • 2 large yellow onions thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter divided
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
Sauce & Garnish
  • 1-2 tbsp chili flakes or chili crisp adjust to taste
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce or oyster sauce
  • 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese finely grated
  • 1 cup pasta water reserved from boiling
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds optional

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Large Pot (for boiling water)
  • Tongs
  • Knife and Cutting Board

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring often, until deep golden brown and caramelized (about 20-25 minutes). Reduce heat if they brown too quickly.
  3. While onions cook, boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  4. To the caramelized onions, add minced garlic and chili flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in soy sauce and the remaining tablespoon of butter.
  6. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet along with 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water.
  7. Toss vigorously with tongs to emulsify the sauce. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese.
  8. Add more pasta water if needed to reach a glossy consistency. Garnish with parsley and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

For extra protein, top with a fried egg or grilled shrimp.