Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, but when you elevate it with a sweet, savory, and rich twist like caramelized onions, you’ve got a dish that’s truly irresistible. If you're looking for a plant-based option that’s packed with flavor and simple to prepare, this caramelized onion pasta is a must-try. It’s a satisfying, hearty meal that highlights the natural sweetness of onions and combines it with the perfect balance of pasta.
Let’s dive into how you can make this easy and mouthwatering plant-based caramelized onion pasta.
Ingredients:
For the caramelized onions:
3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
1 head of garlic - with the top cut off
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
1 cup coconut milk
lightly drizzle with a little olive oil
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp pepper
1 Tbsp Paprika
1 tsp dried parsley
For the pasta:
12 oz pasta (choose your favorite type: spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, etc.) we love the protein + barilla bow tie pasta
1 lemon, juiced
Fresh basil, chopped (optional)
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Nutritional yeast.
Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
The star of this dish is the caramelized onions, preheat the oven to 400 degrees
place the onions, tomatoes, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper and dried parsley in the baking dish, drizzle lightly with olive oil and then toss. Cover with foil and place in the oven for 1 hour. The onions will begin to soften and turn a beautiful golden brown.
2. Cook the Pasta:
While the onions are caramelizing, 20 min before they are done, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to salt your pasta water generously for extra flavor. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve a cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.
3. Combine Pasta and Onions:
Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the onions and tomatoes, squeeze garlic into the pan, add coconut milk, lemon juice, and garnishes as you like. stir all together. ( I did blend half of my onions and tomatoes just to make it less onion looking for my kiddos. it made a very nice sauce.)
5. Serve and Garnish:
Serve your pasta on plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. If you’re a fan of extra flavor, you can sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Why You'll Love This Recipe:
Simple Ingredients: Caramelized onions are naturally sweet and full of umami flavor, making them the perfect base for this pasta.
Plant-Based: This recipe is completely vegan, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.
Rich & Comforting: The slow-cooked onions provide a deep, savory-sweet flavor that takes this pasta from simple to extraordinary.
Customizable: Add your favorite herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice to make the dish your own. It’s versatile enough to pair with roasted vegetables, vegan cheese, or even tofu for added protein.
Tips for Perfect Caramelized Onions:
Patience is key: Don’t rush the caramelization process. Low and slow is the way to go for perfectly tender and sweet onions. (the slow oven baking process helps with this)
Use yellow onions: Yellow onions are the sweetest and work best for caramelization, giving the dish its signature flavor.
Conclusion:
This plant-based caramelized onion pasta is an easy, comforting, and satisfying dish that anyone can make. Whether you're new to plant-based cooking or you're looking for a delicious meal that doesn’t require too many ingredients, this pasta will become your go-to weeknight dinner. The sweetness of the caramelized onions, combined with savory garlic and the richness of the pasta, makes every bite a flavorful experience. Enjoy it with a side salad and a sourdough roll (watch for that recipe to come) for the perfect meal.
Give this recipe a try, and get ready to savor the depth of flavor that only caramelized onions can bring to the table!
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