Creamy Vegan Caramelized Onion Pasta Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
