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.
Why This 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
- Begin with Onions and Garlic: Lay your sliced onions on a baking tray. Mix in your seasonings – salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and dried oregano. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Nestle dollops of plant-based cream cheese and a whole garlic bulb among the onions.
- Roasting: Cover the tray with foil and roast in a preheated oven at 482°F (250°C) for about 1 hour. The goal is for the onions to turn golden and the garlic to soften.
- Finishing the Roasted Mix: Once done, squeeze the roasted garlic out of its skin back onto the tray. Stir in dried tomatoes and chopped parsley for freshness, and add a dash of balsamic glaze for a tangy sweetness.
- Pasta Timing: Start cooking your pasta when the onions have about 10 minutes left in the oven. Aim for al dente; it should be ready just as the onions are perfectly caramelized.
- Combining Everything: Fold the freshly cooked pasta into the tray of caramelized onions and garlic. Mix well, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy, flavorful mixture.
- Final Touches: Season to taste. For an extra protein kick, stir in roasted lentils or chickpeas.
Serving and Storing
- 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.
Creamy Onion Pasta
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.
Equipment
- Oven for roasting.
- Baking Tray
- Pot (for cooking pasta)
- Mixing utensils.
Ingredients
- 5 medium onions sliced
Seasonings (adjust to taste):
- 1 ½ tsp Salt or to taste
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1/3 cup 80 ml Olive Oil
- Approximately 5.3 oz 150g Cream Cheese (plant-based)
- 1 bulb of Garlic cut open
- 1/2 cup Dried Tomatoes or 60 g
- 1/3 cup Chopped Parsley or 30 g
- 2 tbsp Balsamic Glaze
- 17.6 oz Cooked Pasta 500g (from 8.8 oz or 250g dry pasta)
- 1 cup Roasted Lentils or Chickpeas optional, for extra protein
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.
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
You’re pasta recipes are always awesome
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
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