Description
A delicious and easy-to-make pasta dish featuring caramelized onions and a hint of chili oil for a spicy kick.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes until the onions are golden brown and caramelized.
- Sprinkle the sugar over the onions and stir well. Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the sugar to enhance the caramelization.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with the reserved pasta water and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss everything together until well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for garnish.
Notes
- For a protein boost, add cooked chicken or shrimp to the pasta before serving.
- Swap out the red pepper flakes for a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 5mg