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Creamy Vegan Caramelized Onion Pasta: A Comfort Food Classic Reinvented


  • Author: Elsa
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

A rich and creamy vegan pasta made with slow-caramelized onions, oat cream, and vegan Parmesan. Comforting, flavorful, and completely plant-based.


Ingredients

Scale

For the pasta:

  • 8 oz pasta of choice (penne, spaghetti, or gluten-free)
  • 34 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 cream (or cashew/soy/coconut cream)
  • 1 cup vegan Parmesan (or nutritional yeast)
  • 2 tbsp chili oil (optional)

Seasonings to taste:

  • Smoked paprika
  • Onion powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Dried oregano
  • Sweet paprika
  • Salt and pepper

Optional garnish:

  • Fresh parsley
  • Extra vegan Parmesan

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Heat olive oil (and butter if using) in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions, salt, and pepper. Cook for ~5 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and sugar (optional). Reduce heat to low and continue to cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water as needed to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
  3. Make the Sauce: To the caramelized onions, add smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, sweet paprika, and chili oil (if using). Stir in oat cream and vegan Parmesan. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thick and creamy. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
  4. Combine: Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce. Stir to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and more vegan Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

For a nut-free version, use oat or soy cream instead of cashew. Add chili flakes for extra heat.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Caramelizing, Boiling, Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 460
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 65g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: vegan pasta, caramelized onion pasta, dairy-free, plant-based, creamy pasta