SPICY CARAMELIZED ONION PASTA 🧅🍝

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 12 oz (340g) pasta of your choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne works well) 🍝

• Salt, for boiling water 🧂

For the Caramelized Onions

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced 🧅

• 2 tbsp olive oil 🫒

• 1 tbsp butter 🧈

• 1 tsp sugar (optional, helps caramelize) 🍬

• Salt and pepper, to taste ⚫🧂

For the Chili Oil

• ¼ cup olive oil 🫒

• 1–2 tbsp Lola’s Hot Sauce 🌶️

• 1 garlic clove, minced 🧄

• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional) 🌶️

• ½ tsp salt 🧂

For Garnish

• Fresh basil 🌿 (optional)

• Grated Parmesan cheese 🧀 (optional)

• Extra chili oil (optional) 🌶️

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Caramelize the Onions
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring often, for 20–25 minutes until golden and caramelized. Add sugar if using to enhance browning.

3. Make the Chili Oil
In a small pan, warm olive oil over low heat. Add minced garlic, Lola’s Hot Sauce, smoked paprika, and salt. Stir for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat.

4. Combine Everything
Add cooked pasta to the caramelized onions. Pour in the chili oil and toss well to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

5. Garnish & Serve
Top with fresh basil, grated Parmesan, and an extra drizzle of chili oil if you like it spicy. 🌿🧀🌶️