Description
This Vegan Caramelized Onion Pasta is a rich, flavorful dish featuring deeply caramelized onions simmered with garlic, balsamic vinegar, and nutritional yeast to create a creamy, dairy-free sauce. Tossed with your choice of pasta and garnished with fresh parsley and optional vegan parmesan, this comforting meal is perfect for a wholesome, plant-based dinner in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz (340g) pasta of your choice (spaghetti or fettuccine recommended)
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)
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Vegan parmesan (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the 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 Olive Oil: 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 to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions begin to brown and caramelize, about 15-20 minutes. Add sugar if desired to promote deeper caramelization.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Deglaze with Balsamic Vinegar: Pour in the balsamic vinegar and cook for 1-2 minutes until the liquid reduces and incorporates into the onions.
- Add Plant-Based Milk and Seasonings: Reduce heat to low and stir in the unsweetened plant-based milk, 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. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water, adding 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach desired consistency.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat each strand evenly with the sauce.
- Finish with Olive Oil: Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the pasta. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and vegan parmesan if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For deeper caramelization, do not rush the onions; slow cooking over medium heat enhances flavor.
- Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- For a spicier kick, increase crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- Any plant-based milk can be used, but unsweetened versions work best to avoid altering the sauce taste.
- Vegan parmesan is optional but adds a nice cheesy flavor for an authentic pasta experience.
