Caramelized Onion Pasta Chili Oil (Print)
Silky spaghetti with sweet caramelized onions in a spicy cream sauce, ready in under 30 minutes for a quick weeknight dinner.
# Ingredients:
→ Pasta
01 -
2 servings spaghetti (or preferred pasta variety)
→ Sauce Base
02 -
1 large red onion, thinly sliced
03 -
3-4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
04 -
2 tbsp chili oil
05 -
1/2 cup cream
06 -
3 tbsp olive oil
→ Seasonings
07 -
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
08 -
1-2 tsp salt, to taste
→ Garnish
09 -
Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (optional)
10 -
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
# Directions:
01 -
Slice the red onion thinly and finely chop the garlic cloves.
02 -
Bring a pot of water to a boil, add 2 tsp of salt, and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
03 -
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized.
04 -
Stir in the chopped garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the chili oil and mix thoroughly.
05 -
Lower the heat and pour in the cream. Add Italian seasoning and salt to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
06 -
Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss until evenly coated with the sauce.
07 -
Top with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
# Notes:
01 -
Adjust spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili oil.
02 -
For a vegan alternative, substitute coconut cream or plant-based cream for dairy cream, and use vegan Parmesan.
03 -
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta for a protein-enriched variation.
04 -
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or cream to restore the sauce's creaminess.