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Vegan Caramelized Onion Pasta

Creamy Vegan Caramelized Onion Pasta in 30 Minutes Flat

This Vegan Caramelized Onion Pasta is a comforting dish ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights with rich umami flavors.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Vegan
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Pasta Any type you love; gluten-free options like lentil or chickpea pasta add extra protein.
For the Sauce
  • 2 large Onion Yellow onions are perfect for sweetness; mix with shallots for added depth.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Adjust to your taste, enhances the overall flavor.
  • 3 tbsp Balsamic Glaze If out, mix 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar with 1 tbsp maple syrup.
  • ½ cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes Opt for oil-packed to save time on prep.
  • 2 tbsp Tamari A savory element; substitute with soy sauce or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
For Seasoning
  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning Essential for that classic flavor profile.
  • to taste Red Pepper Flakes Optional for those who enjoy a little heat.

Equipment

  • pot
  • Skillet

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Vegan Caramelized Onion Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, then salt generously and add the pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to brown, then deglaze with a splash of water. Continue cooking for another 15 minutes until jammy.
  3. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if desired. Sauté everything together for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and golden.
  4. To the skillet, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, balsamic glaze, and tamari. Pour in reserved pasta water (starting with ½ cup) and simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
  5. Carefully add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Adjust consistency with more reserved pasta water if necessary. Cook for another minute on low heat.
  6. Remove from heat and serve immediately. Optionally pair with roasted chickpeas or sautéed tofu for added protein. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 10gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 500mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Perfect caramelization requires medium heat and patience. Save pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency. Customize seasoning to your taste.

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