Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta

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

4.67 from 3 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 mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

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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.

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