Description
This Vegan Caramelized Onion Pasta recipe features perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a rich, creamy sauce made from sweet caramelized onions, garlic, and nutritional yeast for a cheesy, umami flavor—all without any animal products. Enhanced with balsamic vinegar and fresh herbs, it’s a comforting, flavorful meal that’s entirely plant-based and simple to prepare in about 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz (340g) pasta of your choice (spaghetti or fettuccine recommended)
Caramelized Onion 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 Start 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 during this step 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: Pour in the balsamic vinegar and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly.
- Make Sauce: 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 it becomes too thick, add reserved pasta water by 1 tablespoon increments until desired consistency is reached.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat each strand with the sauce.
- Finish: Remove from heat and drizzle on the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and vegan parmesan if desired, then serve immediately.
Notes
- You can use any type of pasta you prefer, but spaghetti or fettuccine works best for a smooth coating of the sauce.
- Adding sugar when caramelizing onions helps deepen their sweetness but is optional.
- Use unsweetened plant-based milk to keep the sauce creamy without added sugars.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the spiciness.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness and help it cling to the pasta better.
