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Spicy Caramelized Onion Pasta

A bold and comforting main-course pasta made with sweet caramelized onions, garlic, chili heat, and Parmesan cheese.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta Base
  • 12 oz pasta linguine or spaghetti
  • 3 yellow onions thinly sliced
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter optional
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.75 tsp red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • 0.75 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp chili oil optional finish

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Pasta pot
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Cook sliced onions in olive oil over medium-low heat with salt until deeply caramelized, 30–40 minutes.
  2. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook until fragrant.
  3. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente; reserve pasta water.
  4. Add pasta water to onions and stir to form a glossy sauce.
  5. Toss pasta with onion sauce, adding water as needed.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan, pepper, and chili oil.

Notes

Caramelize onions slowly for maximum sweetness and depth.