Caramelized Onion Pasta Chilli Oil (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta

01 - 340g pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
02 - Salt for boiling water

→ Caramelized Onions

03 - 2 large onions, thinly sliced
04 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
05 - 1 tablespoon butter
06 - 1 teaspoon sugar (optional for caramelization)
07 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Chilli Oil

08 - 1/4 cup olive oil
09 - 1 tablespoon chili flakes
10 - 1 garlic clove, minced
11 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Garnish

13 - Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
14 - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
15 - Extra chili oil (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally as onions cook evenly. Optionally add sugar to aid caramelization. Cook for 25-30 minutes until onions are deep golden-brown. Set aside.
02 - In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over low to medium heat. Add minced garlic and chili flakes, stirring occasionally for 1-2 minutes without burning the garlic. Add smoked paprika (if using) and salt. Stir well and set aside.
03 - Boil a large pot of water, add salt, and cook pasta according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
04 - In the skillet with the caramelized onions, add cooked pasta and toss together. Add reserved pasta water as needed to coat the pasta evenly. Pour prepared chili oil over the pasta and toss thoroughly.
05 - Plate the pasta. Optionally garnish with chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and extra chili oil for added spice. Serve immediately.

# Notes:

01 - For best results, cook onions over low heat for a deep, sweet flavor. Adjust chili flakes to control spiciness.