Description
This Vegan Caramelized Onion Pasta is a comforting and flavorful plant-based recipe featuring slowly caramelized onions, a creamy sauce made with plant-based milk and nutritional yeast, and a touch of balsamic vinegar. Perfect for a hearty dinner, this pasta dish balances sweet, savory, and slightly tangy notes for a satisfying vegan meal that comes together in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz (340g) pasta of your choice (spaghetti or fettuccine recommended)
Caramelized Onions and Sauce
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond or soy milk)
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Vegan parmesan, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Heat Oil and Onions: While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Caramelize Onions: Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions start to brown, about 15-20 minutes. Optionally add sugar to enhance caramelization.
- Add Garlic: Once the onions are caramelized, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Balsamic Vinegar: Add the balsamic vinegar to the onions and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until the liquid reduces.
- Add Milk and Seasonings: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the plant-based milk. Stir in the nutritional yeast, dried thyme, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
- Simmer Sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat each strand with the sauce.
- Finish with Olive Oil and Seasoning: Remove from heat and drizzle on the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and vegan parmesan before serving if desired.
Notes
- For best flavor, use yellow onions as they caramelize nicely and add natural sweetness.
- Optional sugar helps speed up and deepen the caramelization but can be omitted for lower sugar content.
- Reserved pasta water can be used to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling to the pasta.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free version of this dish.
- Vegan parmesan is optional but adds a nice cheesy flavor without dairy.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level or omit for no spice.
