Vegan Caramelized Onion Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This Vegan Caramelized Onion Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. Sweet caramelized onions combined with sun-dried tomatoes and creamy vegan sauce create a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 yellow onions, thinly sliced
- Water, for deglazing the pan
- 5 cloves garlic, sliced
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, optional
- 1/4 cup julienned sun-dried tomatoes, jarred packed in oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 cup store bought or homemade vegan cream
- 2 cups dry Orecchiette pasta or 4 servings of favorite pasta (plus 1 cup reserved pasta water)
- 1/4 cup freshly minced parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill one large pot with water for the pasta and set aside. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add the olive oil to warm. Once warm, add the sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Sauté, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes until brown streaks appear on the pan surface. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water to deglaze the pan, stirring into the onions. Continue cooking, adding water as needed to prevent sticking or burning, until onions are deep golden brown, about 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Add the sliced garlic, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes to the pan. Sauté with the onions until the garlic is cooked and the onions turn jammy, about 3-4 minutes. Deglaze the pan with splashes of water as needed.
- Step 3: While onions cook, bring the prepared pot of water to a boil. Salt generously and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Step 4: Stir the sun-dried tomatoes, balsamic glaze, soy sauce, vegan cream, and 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water into the onions. Mix well, then fold in the drained pasta and minced parsley. Add more pasta water to reach your desired creaminess.
- Step 5: Serve the pasta warm on its own or paired with your favorite protein, such as roasted chickpeas or tofu.
Tips & Variations
- For deeper flavor, cook the onions low and slow to ensure they caramelize without burning.
- Use gluten-free pasta if preferred to accommodate dietary needs.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
- Roasted nuts like pine nuts or walnuts make a nice crunchy topping.
Storage
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or vegan cream to restore creaminess. Avoid microwaving without adding moisture, as the pasta may dry out.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, this recipe works well with most pasta shapes such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is there a substitute for vegan cream?
You can substitute vegan cream with full-fat coconut milk, cashew cream, or a blend of plant-based milk and nutritional yeast for a creamy texture.
Print
Vegan Caramelized Onion Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Vegan Caramelized Onion Pasta features deeply caramelized onions blended with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy vegan sauce. Tossed with orecchiette pasta and fresh parsley, it’s a rich, flavorful plant-based dinner perfect for any weeknight.
Ingredients
For the Onion Sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 yellow onions, thinly sliced
- Water, for deglazing the pan
- 5 cloves garlic, sliced
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, optional
- 1/4 cup julienned sun-dried tomatoes, jarred packed in oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 cup store bought or homemade vegan cream
For the Pasta and Garnish
- 2 cups dry Orecchiette pasta (or 4 servings of your favorite pasta)
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/4 cup freshly minced parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once warm, add the thinly sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Sauté, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes, until you notice brown streaks forming. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water to deglaze the pan and continue cooking the onions, adding small splashes of water as needed to prevent sticking or burning. Cook until the onions become a deep golden brown, about 15 minutes.
- Sauté Garlic and Season: Add the sliced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the caramelized onions. Sauté together until the garlic is cooked through and the onions are jammy and soft, about 3-4 minutes. Continue deglazing the pan as needed with water.
- Cook the Pasta: While the onions cook, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Combine Sauce and Pasta: To the onion mixture, add the sun-dried tomatoes, balsamic glaze, soy sauce, vegan cream, and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Stir well to combine. Fold in the drained pasta and minced parsley, adding more pasta water as needed to reach your desired creaminess.
- Serve: Serve the pasta warm as is or pair it with your favorite protein like roasted chickpeas or tofu for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content if desired.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute orecchiette with gluten-free pasta.
- If you don’t have balsamic glaze, reduce balsamic vinegar until syrupy before using.
- Monitor the onions closely while caramelizing to avoid burning.
- Reserve pasta water carefully as it is key to adjusting the sauce’s consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: vegan pasta, caramelized onion pasta, creamy vegan pasta, plant-based dinner, orecchiette recipe, easy vegan dinner, Italian vegan recipe
