Dinner

Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil Recipe

Byanna orden January 24, 2026January 24, 2026

Introduction

This Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chili Oil is a delightful combination of sweet, slow-cooked onions and spicy, smoky chili oil. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for anyone who loves a little heat in their comfort food.

A close-up of a round pile of spaghetti with a thick, creamy orange sauce coating every strand, topped with small pieces of green herbs and bits of crispy, browned meat evenly spread on top. The spaghetti looks glossy and soft with the sauce clinging tightly, and the herbs add a fresh touch of color. The dish is presented on a simple white plate that contrasts with the warm tones of the pasta, all set against a white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, linguine, or your choice)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing onions and garlic)
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons olive oil (for chili oil)
1 tablespoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon paprika
1 small garlic clove, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon soy sauce
Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Extra chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions

Step 1: Thinly slice the onion into even rings. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, sprinkle with salt, and sauté, stirring occasionally, until they soften and turn golden, about 25-30 minutes. Add the minced garlic during the last 5 minutes and cook until fragrant. Season with pepper and salt, then set aside.
Step 2: In a small saucepan, warm 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in red chili flakes and paprika, cooking for another 2-3 minutes. Add soy sauce, stir, and simmer for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 4: Combine the drained pasta with the caramelized onions, stirring to coat the noodles evenly. Drizzle the chili oil over the pasta and toss together. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the pasta seems dry, to loosen the sauce.
Step 5: Garnish the pasta with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley. Sprinkle extra chili flakes if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Tips & Variations

Use extra virgin olive oil for a fruitier chili oil flavor.
Adjust the amount of chili flakes to control the heat level.
Try adding toasted pine nuts or walnuts for some crunch.
For a vegan version, skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil to restore moisture.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a creamy spaghetti dish, each strand coated evenly with a light orange sauce that has small bits of herbs and spices. The top layer has a sprinkle of finely chopped green herbs and a few golden-brown crispy crumbs. The pasta lies on a simple white plate, and the photo background shows a white marbled texture. The image captures the steam and freshness of the hot dish, with soft lighting highlighting the glossy texture of the sauce and the tender pasta strands. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this dish?

Yes, any pasta shape works, but long noodles like spaghetti or linguine are especially good for coating with the caramelized onions and chili oil.

How do I prevent the garlic in the chili oil from burning?

Keep the heat medium to low and watch closely. Remove the oil from heat as soon as the garlic is fragrant and just starts to soften to avoid bitterness.