Creamy Vegan Caramelized Onion Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This creamy vegan caramelized onion pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy dinner. Rich with sweet, slow-cooked onions and a luscious dairy-free sauce, it’s both indulgent and easy to prepare. Whether you’re vegan or simply love a hearty pasta, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta of choice
• 3-4 large onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp vegan butter or regular butter (optional)
• 1 tsp sugar (optional)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¾ cup oat cream or regular heavy cream
• 1 cup vegan Parmesan cheese or regular Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chili oil
• Seasonings to taste: smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, sweet paprika, salt, and pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil and optional butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic and optional sugar. Add 1 cup of water and continue cooking for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden and caramelized. Add more water to deglaze the pan as needed.
3. Step 3: While the onions caramelize, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
4. Step 4: Stir smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, sweet paprika, and chili oil into the caramelized onions. Add the Parmesan cheese and cream, then simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens. Adjust thickness by adding reserved pasta water if needed.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning if desired.
6. Step 6: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if you like. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use yellow or sweet onions for a milder, sweeter caramelized flavor.
• Substitute oat cream with cashew cream or coconut cream for different creaminess levels and flavor profiles.
• For added protein, toss in cooked chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms along with the sauce.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the chili oil.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or plant-based milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, this sauce pairs well with most pasta shapes including penne, fettuccine, or even gluten-free options. Choose your favorite or whatever you have on hand.

Is it possible to make this dish nut-free?

Absolutely. Using oat cream and vegan Parmesan cheese made without nuts will keep the recipe nut-free. Always check labels to be sure.

Creamy Vegan Caramelized Onion Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 127 reviews

This Creamy Vegan Caramelized Onion Pasta offers a rich and indulgent plant-based twist on a classic comfort dish. Featuring deeply caramelized onions simmered in a flavorful, dairy-free cream sauce with vegan Parmesan and a hint of chili oil, this recipe delivers a luscious and satisfying meal perfect for dinner. It’s easy to prepare and combines simple pantry ingredients for a gourmet experience without the dairy.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-inspired Vegan
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Pasta:

• 8 ounces Pasta of choice
• 3–4 Large onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 tbsp Vegan butter or regular butter (optional)
• 1 tsp Sugar (optional)
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced

For the Sauce:

• ¾ cup Oat cream or regular heavy cream
• 1 cup Vegan Parmesan cheese or regular Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp Chili oil
• Seasonings to taste: smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, sweet paprika, salt, and pepper

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions: Heat olive oil and optional butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions, season with salt and pepper, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and optional sugar. Add 1 cup of water and continue cooking for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized. Add more water as needed to deglaze the pan and prevent burning.
2. Cook the Pasta: While the onions are caramelizing, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce: To the caramelized onions in the skillet, add smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, sweet paprika, and chili oil. Stir to combine. Next, stir in the vegan Parmesan cheese and oat cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until it thickens slightly. Adjust the sauce consistency with reserved pasta water if necessary.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce and toss thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
5. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the pasta to serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

• Use vegan butter and vegan Parmesan to keep this recipe fully plant-based.
• If you prefer a richer sauce, use regular heavy cream and Parmesan cheese instead.
• Sugar helps with caramelization but is optional.
• Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed for a silky finish.
• Chili oil adds a subtle heat; adjust quantity or omit if sensitive to spice.
• This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables.

Keywords: vegan pasta, caramelized onions, creamy pasta, vegan caramelized onion pasta, oat cream pasta, dairy-free pasta sauce