Vegan Caramelized Onion Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta is the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and creamy. The caramelized onions bring a deep, rich flavor, while the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes add complexity. The vegan cream provides a silky texture, making every bite decadent. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and uses simple ingredients, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 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 and 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 your favorite pasta (plus 1 cup reserved pasta water)
• 1/4 cup freshly minced parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

directions

1. Caramelize the onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until they become soft, golden, and caramelized. Add a splash of water to deglaze the pan if the onions begin to stick.
2. Cook the pasta: While the onions are caramelizing, cook the Orecchiette pasta (or your preferred pasta) according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
3. Sauté the garlic and seasonings: Once the onions are caramelized, add the sliced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using), then add the sun-dried tomatoes, balsamic glaze, and soy sauce. Stir well to combine.
4. Make the sauce: Pour in the vegan cream and about 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Stir to combine, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes. Add more pasta water if needed to reach the desired sauce consistency.
5. Combine the pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the caramelized onion sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce, adding more pasta water if necessary to make the sauce smooth and creamy.
6. Serve: Remove from heat and stir in the freshly minced parsley. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

• Serves: 4
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Add vegetables: Toss in some spinach, kale, or roasted bell peppers to add more veggies to the dish.
• Nutty finish: For added texture and flavor, top with toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts.
• Mushroom twist: Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy, savory flavor that complements the caramelized onions.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of this dish.
• Vegan Parmesan: Sprinkle some vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast over the pasta for a cheesy, umami finish.

storage/reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or vegetable broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. Orecchiette is ideal for holding the sauce, but any pasta will work.

2. Can I use a different type of onion?

While yellow onions work best for caramelizing, you can also use red onions for a slightly different flavor profile. The caramelization process will be similar.

3. How do I get the onions to caramelize properly?

Patience is key! Cook the onions over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If they start to stick, add a little water or vegetable broth to deglaze the pan. Don’t rush the process; it usually takes about 15-20 minutes.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce and pasta ahead of time, then store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat and toss together.

5. Can I use a different vegan cream?

You can use any plant-based cream, such as coconut cream, cashew cream, or store-bought oat or soy cream. Just make sure the cream is unsweetened for a savory dish.

6. Can I add protein to this dish?

Absolutely! You can add some vegan protein like chickpeas, tofu, tempeh, or plant-based sausage for a heartier meal.

7. Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can easily skip them if you prefer a non-spicy dish. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.

8. Can I freeze this dish?

This pasta may not freeze well due to the cream-based sauce, which can separate when thawed. However, you can freeze the sauce and pasta separately if needed and reheat when ready to serve.

9. How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply substitute gluten-free pasta for the regular pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

10. Can I make the caramelized onions faster?

While the slow caramelizing process gives the best flavor, you can speed it up by cooking the onions on medium heat instead of low. Just be careful not to burn them.

Conclusion

Vegan Caramelized Onion Pasta is a rich, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a special meal. The caramelized onions and creamy vegan sauce make for an irresistible combination that’s sure to satisfy. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this dish is a must-try for any pasta lover, whether you’re vegan or not!

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