Get ready to meet your new pasta obsession: Caramelised Onion and Chilli Pasta! This dish is the perfect balance of sweet, savoury, and spicy, with rich caramelised onions bringing sweetness, fiery chilli for a kick, and a luscious, silky sauce tying it all together.
It’s made with just a handful of pantry staples and is on the table in under 30 minutes—ideal for a quick midweek dinner that still feels special. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your partner, or the whole family, this versatile recipe is guaranteed to impress without breaking a sweat!
Recipe Card
Caramelised Onion and Chilli Pasta
Ingredients
- 200 g Spaghetti
- 1 - 1 ½ tablespoon Chilli oil
- 2 Garlic cloves finely diced
- 1 Red onion finely sliced
- ¾ cup Thickened cream
- ½ tablespoon Thyme dried
- ½ tablespoon Oregano
- ½ Lemon freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon Parsley
- 1 tablespoon Butter
- Salt and Pepper to season
Instructions
- In a frying pan, cook red onion in olive oil over low heat for 20 minutes until caramelised.
- Add garlic and butter; stir until fragrant. Mix in chilli oil and cook for 1 minute. Pour in cream and simmer until thickened.
- Cook spaghetti as per packet instructions, reserving ½ cup pasta water. Toss pasta into the sauce, adding reserved water to loosen if needed. Stir through parsley and lemon juice.
- Serve with toppings like chilli oil, parmesan, and fresh parsley.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate. If scaling the recipe remember to scale your cook and bakeware accordingly. All temperatures stated are conventional, unless otherwise stated. Recipes tested in grams and at sea level.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1
Drizzle olive oil into a frying pan and heat over low heat. Add the sliced red onion and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and caramelised.
Step 2
Stir garlic and butter into the caramelised onion for 1-2 minutes. Add chilli oil, cook 1 minute, then pour in cream and stir until the sauce thickens.
Step 3
Cook spaghetti, reserving ½ cup pasta water. Drain, toss in sauce, and thin with reserved water if needed. Mix in parsley and lemon juice before serving.
Step 4
Serve immediately with your choice of toppings. I love to add a drizzle of extra chilli oil, a sprinkle of parmesan, and a little more fresh parsley for garnish.
RECIPE TIPS & NOTES
Here are some helpful tips to make your Caramelised Onion and Chilli Pasta even better:
- Caramelise the onion properly: Don’t rush this step! Cooking the onion on low heat for 20 minutes develops that beautiful sweetness and makes the dish shine.
- Adjust the chilli oil: Start with a small amount and taste as you go. If you love spice, add more at the end or top with chilli flakes.
- Save your pasta water: This starchy water is key for loosening the sauce while still keeping it creamy. Add it gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust: Once you’ve added the lemon juice, give everything a quick taste test. You might need a pinch of extra salt or a splash more cream.
- Garnish to impress: A sprinkle of parmesan, fresh parsley, and a drizzle of chilli oil make the dish look and taste incredible.
SUBSTITUTIONS & ADDITIONS
Here are some ideas to switch things up or add more to this pasta:
- Pasta: Swap spaghetti for linguine, fettuccine, or even short pasta like rigatoni or penne.
- Chilli Oil: Use olive oil with a pinch of chilli flakes as a substitute. For no spice, just stick with olive oil.
- Add protein: Grilled chicken, prawns, or crispy pancetta work beautifully with the caramelised onion and creamy sauce.
- Extra veggies: Toss in baby spinach, mushrooms, or roasted capsicum for added nutrients and flavour.
- Lemon: If you’re out of fresh lemon, a splash of white wine vinegar or bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch.
INGREDIENT INFORMATION
Here’s what you need to know about the ingredients for this Caramelised Onion and Chilli Pasta:
- Spaghetti: I used standard spaghetti, cooked al dente (firm to the bite). This allows the pasta to soak up the sauce while still having a great texture. Any long pasta like linguine or tagliatelle will work too.
- Red Onion: Red onion is perfect for caramelising because it turns sweet and soft after slow cooking. Brown onions will work, but they won’t give the same deep sweetness.
- Chilli Oil: Chilli oil adds the perfect balance of heat and flavour. Adjust the amount to suit your spice preference or swap it for olive oil with a pinch of chilli flakes.
- Thickened Cream: This adds richness and creates a silky, luscious sauce. For a lighter version, use cooking cream or a splash of milk with a tiny bit of cornflour to thicken.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and cuts through the richness of the cream. Use half a lemon, then taste and adjust if needed.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential! Finely dicing it allows the flavour to infuse perfectly into the sauce.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds colour and a light, herby finish. Dried parsley works in a pinch, but fresh is best.
STORAGE & HOW TO REHEAT
Here’s how to store and reheat your Caramelised Onion and Chilli Pasta:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this dish as the cream sauce may split when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
- Reheating:
- Stovetop: Heat gently on low with a splash of cream, milk, or reserved pasta water to bring the sauce back to life. Stir regularly to avoid sticking.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl with a tablespoon of water or cream. Reheat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between until warmed through.
RECIPE FAQs
Can I make this pasta less spicy?
Yes! Reduce the amount of chilli oil or skip it entirely and use olive oil instead. You can always sprinkle a small amount of chilli flakes at the end if you change your mind.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
No worries! Dried parsley works fine—just use half the amount. Fresh basil is another great option for a herby finish.
How do I stop the cream sauce from being too thick?
Gradually add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce until it’s silky and coats the pasta perfectly.
Can I add meat to this dish?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, prawns, or crispy bacon are all great additions. Cook them separately and toss them in before serving.
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes! While spaghetti works beautifully, linguine, fettuccine, or even penne will work well.
Comments
No Comments