Description
A simple, satisfying weeknight meal featuring sweet caramelized onions and a touch of spicy chili oil, perfect for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340g) pasta of your choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- Salt (for boiling pasta water)
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to help caramelize)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili flakes (adjust based on preferred spice level)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Extra chili oil (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally to help them cook evenly. If using sugar, sprinkle it in now. Cook for about 25-30 minutes until deep golden-brown.
- In the same skillet, combine the 1/4 cup of olive oil, chili flakes, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and salt over low heat. Cook for about 2-3 minutes to infuse the oil.
- Meanwhile, boil salted water and cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Return the drained pasta to the pot. Add the caramelized onions and chili oil. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water if it seems dry. Season with more salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese on top. Drizzle with extra chili oil if desired.
Notes
Patience is key when caramelizing onions. Adjust chili flakes to suit your family’s spice tolerance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: pasta, caramelized onions, chili oil, easy dinner, family meal