Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta

Rating: 4.84
(6)

If you’re looking for a comforting and flavorful pasta dish, look no further than this Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta. It’s easy to make, yet packed with rich, satisfying flavors, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal with friends. The sweetness of slow-cooked onions blends beautifully with the creamy sauce, creating a velvety texture and deep, savory taste in every bite.

Pair it with a crisp green salad or a glass of white wine for a complete, restaurant-worthy experience right at home. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress.

Why Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta is a Must-Try

  • Rich and Flavorful: The sweet caramelized onions and the mellow roasted garlic create an irresistibly rich taste.
  • Versatility: This recipe welcomes your creativity. Add your favorite herbs, spices, or vegetables to make it uniquely yours.
  • Comfort Food at Its Best: It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, ideal for both lazy evenings and special occasions.

Deep Dive into Ingredients

  • Pasta: Any type works; each brings its own charm and texture.
  • Onions and Garlic: They are the heart of this dish, providing a depth of sweet, savory flavor.
  • Cream Cheese (Plant-Based): For that luscious, creamy texture without the heaviness.
  • Seasonings and Olive Oil: These enhance the dish, highlighting the natural flavors of the main ingredients.
  • Lentils or Chickpeas: An optional addition for those seeking an extra punch of protein.

Cooking Tips for Perfection

  • Caramelization is Key: The slow caramelization of onions unlocks their natural sweetness and is central to the flavor profile of this dish.
  • Roast the Garlic to Perfection: Roasted until golden and soft, garlic offers a complex, sweet, and less pungent flavor.
  • Al Dente Pasta: Cook your pasta just right – it should be firm to the bite and able to hold the creamy sauce effectively.

Step-by-Step Guide in Making Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta

Start with Onions and Garlic: Toss sliced onions with seasonings and olive oil on a tray, then add plant-based cream cheese and a whole garlic bulb.
Roasting: Cover the tray with foil and roast until the onions are golden and the garlic is soft.
Finishing the Mix: Squeeze out the roasted garlic, then stir in dried tomatoes, parsley, and a dash of balsamic glaze.
onion pasta
Combining Everything: Toss the cooked pasta with the caramelized onions and garlic until evenly coated in the creamy mixture.
onion pasta thumbnail
Final Touches: Season to taste. For an extra protein kick, stir in roasted lentils or chickpeas.

Serving and Storing for Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta

  • Garnish and Serve: Add a final flourish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or seasoning before serving. This elevates the dish and adds a fresh element.
  • Storing: The pasta stores well in the refrigerator and makes for excellent leftovers. It’s a dish that’s just as enjoyable the next day.

FAQs about Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta

Can I use regular cream cheese instead of plant-based?

Yes! Regular cream cheese works perfectly if you’re not following a plant-based diet. It will still create a rich, creamy sauce.

How can I make this pasta gluten-free?

Simply swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety—brown rice, quinoa, or chickpea pasta all work well.

What type of onions are best for caramelizing?

Yellow or sweet onions are ideal because they become beautifully golden and develop a deep, sweet flavor when roasted.

Can I prepare the caramelized onions ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can roast the onions and garlic up to two days in advance and store them in the fridge. Reheat before mixing with the pasta.

What can I serve with this pasta?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.

Conclusion

Creamy Onion Pasta by Dr. Vegan is a comforting and satisfying dish that brings together simple, wholesome ingredients for a deliciously rich and creamy meal. The sweetness of the caramelized onions, combined with the smooth, velvety sauce, creates a perfect balance of flavors. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that can easily be adjusted to suit your preferences — whether you’re adding extra veggies, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a touch of spice.

Not only is it a treat for your taste buds, but it’s also a nourishing choice that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or cozy gatherings. With its straightforward preparation and indulgent flavor, Creamy Onion Pasta is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Give it a try and savor every creamy, comforting bite!

Ready to go green? Discover irresistible vegan recipes at Dr. Vegan!

Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta

Creamy Onion Pasta

4.84 from 6 votes
This Creamy Caramelized Onion and Roasted Garlic Pasta is a delightful blend of sweet caramelized onions, mellow roasted garlic, and creamy plant-based cheese, combined with pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal. It’s a versatile, health-conscious dish that can be adapted to include additional proteins or vegetables.
Servings 4
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Equipment

  • Oven for roasting.
  • Baking Tray
  • Pot (for cooking pasta)
  • Mixing utensils.

Ingredients
  

  • 5 medium onions sliced

Seasonings (adjust to taste):

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 482°F (250°C).
  • Prepare the Onions: In a baking tray, place the sliced onions. Sprinkle with the mixed seasonings (salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and dried oregano) and drizzle with 1/3 cup of olive oil. Mix everything well to ensure the onions are evenly coated.
  • Add Cream Cheese and Garlic: Dot the tray with dollops of plant-based cream cheese and place the cut garlic bulb among the onions.
  • Bake: Cover the tray with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the onions are nicely caramelized and soft.
  • Add Garlic and Other Ingredients: After baking, remove the tray from the oven. Squeeze the roasted garlic out of its skin and add it to the tray. Then, stir in 1/2 cup dried tomatoes, 1/3 cup chopped parsley, and 2 tablespoons of balsamic glaze.
  • Add Cooked Pasta: Fold in 17.6 oz (500g) of cooked pasta (cooked from 8.8 oz or 250g dry pasta). Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
  • Season and Add Protein (Optional): Adjust the seasoning to your preference. If desired, add 1 cup of roasted lentils or chickpeas for an extra protein boost.
  • Serve: Your one-tray creamy pasta is now ready to be served. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful dish!

Notes

Customization: Feel free to add other vegetables or spices to suit your taste.
Protein Options: The addition of lentils or chickpeas is optional but recommended for a protein boost.
Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, maintaining flavor and texture.
Pasta Choice: The recipe is versatile with any pasta type; whole wheat pasta can be used for a healthier option.
Cream Cheese Alternatives: If plant-based cream cheese is not available, other creamy alternatives like cashew cream can be used.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcal
Calories: 450kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: Caramelized Onion, Comfort Food, Creamy Onion Pasta, Easy Dinner Recipe, Healthy Comfort Food, Healthy Pasta Dish, Plant-Based Pasta, Roasted Garlic Pasta, Vegetarian Pasta

Join the Conversation

  1. 5 stars
    You’re pasta recipes are always awesome

  2. 4 stars
    Not sure what brand of vegan cream cheese is used here but I used violife and it melted all over and kept the onions from fully carmelizing. At least I forgot to add it till the halfway mark so I got some carmelization. Otherwise the pasta was alright. Husband liked it more than me

  3. Deb Richard says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious and simple to make. Next time I think I’ll throw some spinach in it. I used smoked paprika and a little extra cayenne pepper. The sundries tomatoes really brought it all together

  4. 5 stars
    Unfassbar lecker…

  5. Samantha Glover says:

    5 stars
    Found this recipe off of iFunny. It was so good. Great way to use up some onions I had laying around

  6. 5 stars
    So this dish was perfect for tonight’s Sunday night dinner. Here in Central FL, we’ve been experiencing some real inclimate weather, so this dish was amazing comfort food!!! I added chicken sautéed in olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, s/p.

    PREFECT 🥰😍

4.84 from 6 votes

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