First Step: CARAMELIZE THE ONIONS

1. Prepare the Onions: Thinly slice the onion into even rings. The more evenly they’re sliced, the more evenly they will caramelize.
2. Heat the Pan: In a large, deep skillet or saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
3. Sauté the Onions: Add the sliced onions to the pan, stirring occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt to help release the moisture from the onions.
4. Caramelize the Onions: Continue to cook the onions, stirring every 5-7 minutes. As they cook, the onions will gradually soften and turn golden. The process should take about 25-30 minutes, depending on the heat and the size of the pan. Be patient; caramelizing onions is key to achieving their sweet, rich flavor.
5. Add the Garlic: About 5 minutes before the onions are done, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
6. Season the Onions: Once the onions are golden brown and soft, season them with freshly ground black pepper and additional salt to taste. Set aside while you prepare the pasta and chili oil.

Second Step: MAKE THE CHILI OIL

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a small saucepan, add 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm up, but don’t let it get too hot or it may burn the spices.
2. Infuse the Garlic: Add the thinly sliced garlic to the oil and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant but not browned.
3. Add the Chili Flakes and Paprika: Sprinkle in the red chili flakes and paprika, stirring constantly. You should begin to smell the spice and smokiness infusing into the oil. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the Soy Sauce: Pour in 1 teaspoon of soy sauce to add umami to the oil. Stir well and let it simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Remove from Heat: Once the oil is aromatic and infused with the spices, remove the pan from the heat and set it aside.

Third Step: COOK THE PASTA

1. Boil the Pasta: While the onions are caramelizing, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Be sure to reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the noodles.
2. Drain the Pasta: Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water. Set the pasta aside.

Fourth Step: COMBINE THE PASTA AND ONIONS

1. Toss the Pasta with Onions: Once the onions are caramelized, add them to the cooked pasta. Stir to combine, making sure the pasta is well-coated with the sweet onions.
2. Add the Chili Oil: Drizzle the homemade chili oil over the pasta and toss everything together. The heat from the pasta will help the oil coat each noodle, creating a glossy finish.
3. Adjust the Sauce: If the pasta seems dry, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce and help it coat the pasta better.

Final Step: GARNISH AND SERVE

1. Grate Parmesan: Sprinkle a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. The cheese adds creaminess and enhances the flavor of the dish.
2. Add Fresh Herbs: Garnish the pasta with chopped fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. This will complement the rich, sweet, and spicy flavors.
3. Extra Chili Flakes: If you like extra heat, sprinkle some more chili flakes over the top of the pasta before serving.
4. Serve Immediately: Serve the pasta hot as a main dish or pair it with a side salad for a complete meal.