If you’re a fan of one-pan meals, this One-Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta is a game-changer! It’s simple, budget-friendly, and packed with incredible flavors. Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or just looking for creative vegan recipe ideas, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, Layered Flavors: The combination of caramelized onions, sun-dried tomatoes, coconut milk, and fresh herbs creates a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and creamy notes.
- Onion Lovers Rejoice: If you adore caramelized onions, this dish will quickly win you over.
- Minimal Cleanup: Cooking everything in one pan means fewer dishes—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Simple Ingredients: With just 12 items on the list, many of which you likely already have, this recipe is as convenient as it is delicious.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 5 small yellow onions (or 3 large), sliced
- 1 head of garlic, top sliced off
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ cup coconut milk
- 3 cups farfalle pasta, cooked
- 1 handful fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 handful fresh basil, chopped
- 1 lemon, juiced
Optional: Olive oil or oil from sun-dried tomatoes for drizzling.
Equipment
- Casserole dish
- Pasta pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Instructions
1. Prepare the Base
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Add sliced onions, sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, salt, pepper, and dried parsley to a casserole dish. Toss to coat evenly, and place the whole garlic head in the center. Drizzle with olive oil or reserved sun-dried tomato oil. Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour, tossing halfway through.
2. Cook the Pasta
When the casserole dish has about 20 minutes left, cook your pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
3. Combine and Serve
Once the casserole dish is ready, remove the garlic head. When cool enough to handle, squeeze out the roasted cloves into the dish. Add fresh parsley, basil, lemon juice, coconut milk, cooked pasta, and reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a creamy consistency. Stir to combine, serve, and enjoy!
Hacks and Variations
- Oil Hack: Use the oil from sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor when roasting the onions.
- Pasta Swap: Feel free to use gnocchi or another small pasta shape for variety.
- Gluten-Free Option: Simply use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Coconut-Free Alternative: Replace coconut milk with cashew cream or soy cooking cream for a similar richness without coconut flavor.
- Boost the Veggies: Add frozen vegetables or leafy greens to increase the nutrient content.
Why Caramelized Onions Shine
Caramelized onions bring a unique depth of flavor to this dish. Their natural sweetness, enhanced by slow cooking, creates a soft, buttery texture that complements the savory elements. Whether you’re topping pizzas, soups, or pastas, caramelized onions are a versatile staple in any kitchen.
If you’re seeking vegan recipe ideas that are simple yet packed with flavor, this One-Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta is the perfect choice. It’s comforting, wholesome, and incredibly easy to make. Pair it with a crisp side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Enjoyed this recipe? Share it with your friends or leave a comment to let us know how it turned out. Don’t forget to explore our blog for more vegan recipe ideas to inspire your next meal!