Creamy Vegan Caramelized Onion Pasta
Looking for a dish that perfectly blends comfort, flavor, and elegance? This Creamy Vegan Caramelized Onion Pasta is just what you need! The caramelized onions, rich in flavor and sweetness, complement the creamy sauce made with plant-based ingredients. Whether you follow a vegan lifestyle or not, this dish can be enjoyed by everyone at the table. In fact, it’s the perfect recipe to impress your guests or enjoy a cozy dinner at home. With simple pantry staples like onions, pasta, and a few spices, this dish offers rich flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 16 ounces pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 3-4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp vegan butter (optional)
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- ¾ cup oat-based heavy cream (or regular heavy cream)
- 1 cup vegan Parmesan cheese (or regular Parmesan cheese)
- 2 tbsp chili oil (optional)
- Seasonings: smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, sweet paprika, salt, and pepper
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
Caramelize the Onions:
- Heat olive oil (and vegan butter, if using) in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onions and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onions start to soften.
- Add the minced garlic and optional sugar, then cook for another 25-30 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally. If the onions begin to stick, add a little water to deglaze the pan. The onions should become golden and caramelized.
Cook the Pasta:
- Boil a large pot of salted water.
- Cook the pasta until al dente, following the package instructions.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Make the Sauce:
- To the caramelized onions, add smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, and sweet paprika. Stir to combine.
- Add the oat-based cream (or regular cream) and vegan Parmesan (or regular Parmesan). Stir everything together and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens. Adjust the consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it to coat the noodles evenly in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning as necessary.
Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan (optional).
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
-
- Make Ahead: Caramelize the onions up to 3 days in advance and store them in the fridge. Reheat them before combining with the pasta.
- Non-Vegan Version: Swap out oat cream for heavy cream and use regular butter and Parmesan cheese.
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add roasted vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli for extra flavor and texture.