Name: Vegan Caramelized Onion Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
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 your favorite pasta (plus 1 cup reserved pasta water); 1/4 cup freshly minced parsley; Salt and pepper to taste

why make this recipe

Vegan Caramelized Onion Pasta is a tasty dish that highlights the sweet and rich flavor of caramelized onions. This pasta recipe is easy to prepare and packed with delicious ingredients. It is perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress your friends and family. Plus, it’s dairy-free and suitable for vegans, ensuring everyone can enjoy it.

how to make Vegan Caramelized Onion Pasta

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

Directions

Fill one large pot with water for the pasta and set it aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add the olive oil to warm it through.
Once warm, add the sliced onions along with a pinch of salt. Sauté the onions, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes, until you start to see brown streaks on the pan.
Add 1-2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the onions to deglaze the pan.
Keep cooking the onions, adding more water as needed to prevent sticking or burning, until they become a deep golden brown color (about 15 minutes).
Next, add the sliced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Sauté together until the garlic is cooked and the onions are jammy, about 3-4 minutes.
While the onions are cooking, begin boiling the water for the pasta. Salt it generously, and once boiling, add in the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, remembering to reserve 1 cup of the pasta water.
Once the onions are ready, add the sun-dried tomatoes, balsamic glaze, soy sauce, vegan cream, and 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Stir well to combine.
Fold in the pasta and parsley. If you want a creamier texture, add more pasta water.
Serve the pasta as is, or you can pair it with roasted chickpeas or tofu for added protein.

how to serve Vegan Caramelized Onion Pasta

Serve the Vegan Caramelized Onion Pasta hot. It is great on its own or paired with a simple side salad. You can top it with extra parsley or vegan parmesan cheese for added flavor.

how to store Vegan Caramelized Onion Pasta

Store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. It should last for about 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave or heat it in a skillet with a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.

tips to make Vegan Caramelized Onion Pasta

For a deeper flavor, allow the onions to caramelize longer.
Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your desired spice level.
Use pasta shapes like fusilli or penne if you prefer.

variation

You can switch up the vegetables! Add spinach, kale, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor. Also, feel free to experiment with different kinds of pasta.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of onions?
Yes, you can use red onions or sweet onions if you prefer a different flavor.

2. Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, the pasta can be made ahead of time. Just reheat it with a bit of pasta water to restore its creaminess.