Caramelised Onion Pasta: A Flavor-Packed Vegan Comfort Dish

Caramelised Onion Pasta: A Flavor-Packed Vegan Comfort Dish

Got a few onions lingering in your pantry? Transform them into this Vegan Caramelised Onion Pasta, a rich, savory, and oh-so-comforting dish that’s bursting with flavor! The slow-caramelised onions create a sweet, jammy base, elevated by tangy sun-dried tomatoes, a kick of chili, and a creamy dairy-free sauce. With fresh spinach and a zesty lemon finish, this pasta is both indulgent and nourishing. Perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests, this recipe turns simple ingredients into something truly special. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Caramelised Onion Pasta

• Pantry-Friendly: Uses everyday ingredients like onions and pasta, with a gourmet twist.

• Rich & Flavorful: Caramelised onions and sun-dried tomatoes create a deep, umami-packed sauce.

• Vegan & Creamy: Dairy-free milk or cream delivers a luscious texture without the dairy.

• Customizable: Swap in your favorite pasta or greens for endless variations.

Recipe: Vegan Caramelised Onion Pasta

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: ~1 hour (mostly for caramelising onions)

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp oil (sun-dried tomato oil recommended for extra flavor; otherwise, olive oil works)

• 6 small onions (or 3 large), thinly sliced

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped

• 1/2 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)

• 1 tsp dried mixed herbs (e.g., Italian seasoning or a blend of oregano, thyme, and basil)

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 3/4 cup unsweetened dairy-free milk or cream (e.g., oat, soy, or cashew cream)

• Zest of 1 small lemon

• Squeeze of fresh lemon juice (about 1-2 tsp)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1 bag (120g) baby spinach

• 350g pasta of choice (e.g., mezze maniche, rigatoni, or spaghetti)

Method

1. Caramelise the Onions: Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté for 1 minute. Season with a generous pinch of salt, reduce the heat to low, and cover with a lid. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes to prevent sticking.

2. Deglaze & Continue Caramelising: Remove the lid and stir well. As the onions cook and leave a sticky brown layer on the pan (after ~10-15 minutes), add a splash of water to deglaze, scraping up the browned bits. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, and adding small splashes of water as needed to deglaze. This caramelising process takes about 1 hour until the onions are soft, sweet, and deeply golden.

3. Add Flavor: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, chili flakes, and dried mixed herbs. Fry for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and cook for another 30 seconds to meld the flavors.

4. Make the Sauce: Pour in the dairy-free milk or cream, stirring well to combine. Cover, reduce the heat to medium, and simmer for 1 minute. Add the lemon zest, a squeeze of lemon juice, and season generously with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

6. Combine & Serve: Add the baby spinach, cooked pasta, and a splash of reserved pasta water to the pan with the sauce. Cook over medium-high heat, tossing gently, until the spinach wilts and the pasta is well-coated in the sauce (1-2 minutes). Add more pasta water if needed to adjust consistency. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Caramelised Onion Pasta

• Patience is Key: Caramelising onions takes time (about an hour) but is worth it for the sweet, rich flavor. Don’t rush the process—low and slow is best!

• Oil Choice: Using the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar adds a delicious umami depth, but olive oil works great too.

• Pasta Options: Mezze maniche or rigatoni hold the sauce beautifully, but any pasta shape works. Use gluten-free pasta if needed.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or dairy-free milk to loosen the sauce.

• Add-Ins: Boost the dish with roasted mushrooms, vegan sausage, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy vibe.

Why This Recipe Rocks

This vegan caramelised onion pasta is comfort food at its finest. The slow-cooked onions create a luxurious, jammy base that pairs perfectly with the tangy sun-dried tomatoes and creamy dairy-free sauce. Chili flakes add a subtle kick, while lemon zest and juice bring a fresh, bright finish. The baby spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition, making this dish as wholesome as it is indulgent. It’s a fantastic way to use up pantry staples like onions and turn them into a restaurant-worthy meal.Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or impressing dinner guests, this pasta is sure to become a favorite. Grab those onions and get ready to savor every creamy, flavorful bite!

What’s your favorite way to use up pantry onions? Share your ideas in the comments section on Pinterest and check out our Ultimate Plant-Based Cookbook below!