Description
This Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil is a rich, spicy, and satisfying dish perfect for a cozy dinner or a quick yet elevated weeknight meal. Made with sweet, jammy caramelized onions, twirlable spaghetti, and a bold drizzle of chilli oil, it’s the kind of recipe that turns simple pantry ingredients into something extraordinary. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, comfort food with a twist, or a vegetarian pasta recipe with bold flavor, this one checks all the boxes. It also fits perfectly into your list of quick dinners and weeknight meal plans.
Ingredients
3 large yellow onions
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
12 ounces spaghetti
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 cup reserved pasta water
2 tablespoons chilli oil (or to taste)
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions
1. Slice the yellow onions thinly.
2. In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium-low heat.
3. Add sliced onions with a pinch of salt.
4. Cook the onions slowly for 35–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown and caramelized.
5. Meanwhile, boil salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente.
6. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the pasta.
7. Add minced garlic to the caramelized onions and cook for 1 more minute.
8. Pour in 1/2 cup of pasta water and stir.
9. Toss in the cooked spaghetti and grated Parmesan cheese.
10. Mix well until the sauce becomes creamy, adding more pasta water if needed.
11. Drizzle in the chilli oil and toss again to coat evenly.
12. Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
13. Serve hot, topped with fresh thyme and more chilli oil if desired.
Notes
Cook onions low and slow—don’t rush the caramelization, it’s key to the flavor.
Reserve pasta water before draining; it makes the sauce come together beautifully.
Adjust chilli oil to your spice level—start light and build the heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 440mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 72g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: caramelized onion pasta, chilli oil pasta, spicy pasta, easy dinner, vegetarian recipe