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 minutesmins
Cook Time 1 hourhr
Total Time 1 hourhr15 minutesmins
Equipment
Oven for roasting.
Baking Tray
Pot (for cooking pasta)
Mixing utensils.
Ingredients
5medium onionssliced
Seasonings (adjust to taste):
1 ½tspSaltor to taste
1tspPaprika
1tspGarlic Powder
1tspOnion Powder
1/2tspBlack Pepper
1/4tspCayenne Pepper
1tspDried Oregano
1/3cup80 ml Olive Oil
Approximately 5.3 oz150g Cream Cheese (plant-based)
1bulb of Garliccut open
1/2cupDried Tomatoesor 60 g
1/3cupChopped Parsleyor 30 g
2tbspBalsamic Glaze
17.6ozCooked Pasta500g (from 8.8 oz or 250g dry pasta)
1cupRoasted Lentils or Chickpeasoptional, 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.