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Vegan Caramelized Onion Pasta Recipe

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4.2 from 6 reviews

This Vegan Caramelized Onion Pasta is a flavorful and creamy plant-based dish that combines deeply caramelized onions with garlic, Italian seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich vegan cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe uses simple ingredients and easy stovetop cooking to deliver a savory and satisfying pasta that’s both elegant and wholesome.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 2 yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 5 cloves garlic, sliced
  • 1/4 cup julienned sun-dried tomatoes, jarred packed in oil
  • 1/4 cup freshly minced parsley

Liquids & Oils

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Water, for deglazing the pan
  • 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup store bought or homemade vegan cream

Dry Goods

  • 2 cups dry Orecchiette pasta or 4 servings of favorite pasta (plus 1 cup reserved pasta water)

Spices & Seasonings

  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, optional
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Caramelize Onions: Fill a large pot with water and set aside for boiling pasta later. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the thinly sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Sauté, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes until brown streaks form on the pan surface. Deglaze the pan by adding 1-2 tablespoons of water, stirring to lift the browned bits. Continue cooking, adding more water as needed to prevent sticking, for an additional 10 minutes or until onions turn a deep golden brown.
  2. Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the sliced garlic, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté together with the onions for 3-4 minutes until the garlic is cooked and the onions become jammy in texture. Continue to deglaze the pan as necessary during this process.
  3. Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, bring the pot of water to a boil. Generously salt the water and add the orecchiette or pasta of choice. Cook according to the package instructions. Remember to reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  4. Combine Sauce Ingredients: Into the caramelized onions, add the sun-dried tomatoes, balsamic glaze, soy sauce, vegan cream, and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Stir thoroughly to combine the flavors and create a creamy sauce.
  5. Toss Pasta: Fold the cooked pasta and minced parsley into the skillet with the sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add more reserved pasta water until the desired creaminess is reached.
  6. Serve: Plate the pasta as is or accompany it with your preferred protein such as roasted chickpeas or tofu for a complete meal.

Notes

  • You can use any pasta shape you prefer or have on hand.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil add intense flavor, but be sure to drain or chop finely.
  • Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the heat level or omit for no spice.
  • If unavailable, substitute vegan cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a similar texture.
  • Use reserved pasta water sparingly to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
  • This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegan

Find it online: https://recipeteach.com/vegan-caramelized-onion-pasta-recipe/