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- 300g pasta (any shape, preferably whole grain) - 2 large onions, thinly sliced - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1 cup coconut milk (canned) - 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast - 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) When cooking, precise measurements matter. For pasta, I suggest using 300 grams. This amount feeds about four people. For onions, two large ones will give you a rich flavor. Use 3 tablespoons of olive oil to caramelize the onions. Garlic adds depth, so use four cloves, minced finely. A cup of vegetable broth provides the base for your sauce. Coconut milk brings creaminess with one cup from a can. Add 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast for that cheesy taste. Finally, one tablespoon of soy sauce or tamari enhances the umami flavor. If you like heat, add crushed red pepper flakes. Just a pinch can make a difference. Fresh herbs can also brighten the dish. Try adding basil or thyme if you want extra flavor. For a different touch, consider adding lemon zest. It will add a bit of freshness. These optional ingredients let you customize your creamy vegan caramelized onion pasta. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sprinkle a pinch of salt. Stir them often for about 10-15 minutes. You want the onions to turn golden brown and sweet. This step builds a rich flavor that makes the dish stand out. While the onions cook, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Make sure to add salt to the water. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Reserve one cup of the pasta water before draining it. Set the pasta aside for later. Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 2 minutes until the garlic smells great. Then, pour in the vegetable broth and coconut milk. Add nutritional yeast, soy sauce or tamari, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir the mix well and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly. After that, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed. Finally, serve the pasta in bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. This adds a nice touch to your meal. To get the best caramelization, use medium heat. Start with a hot skillet and add olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Stir them often. This helps them cook evenly. Caramelization takes time, about 10-15 minutes. You want them golden brown and sweet. If they stick, add a splash of water. This will help them release and brown nicely. For a creamy texture, coconut milk is key. It adds richness without dairy. Combine it with vegetable broth and nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor. If your sauce is too thick, use reserved pasta water. Add a little at a time until you reach the perfect smoothness. This method keeps the sauce rich while being vegan. For serving, use shallow bowls to show off your pasta. Drizzle with extra olive oil for shine. You can sprinkle more nutritional yeast on top for flavor. Fresh parsley adds vibrant color. If you like heat, add crushed red pepper flakes. This will give your dish a nice kick. Enjoy your creamy vegan caramelized onion pasta with a side salad for a complete meal! Pro Tips Perfectly Caramelized Onions: Be patient while caramelizing the onions; the longer they cook, the sweeter and more flavorful they become. Stir often and keep the heat at medium to prevent burning. Enhancing Creaminess: For an extra creamy texture, use full-fat coconut milk. It will give the sauce a richer mouthfeel and complement the sweetness of the caramelized onions. Cooking Pasta Al Dente: Always cook your pasta al dente for the best texture. This means it should be firm to the bite, which helps it hold up better when tossed with the sauce. Seasoning to Taste: Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. Adding a little more salt, pepper, or nutritional yeast can elevate the flavor of your dish significantly. {{image_2}} You can use many types of pasta for this dish. Whole grain pasta adds fiber and flavor. However, you can try gluten-free pasta if needed. Penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti all work great. Choose a shape you love. Each pasta shape holds sauce differently, so have fun with it! If you have dietary needs, this recipe is easy to adjust. Swap the coconut milk for almond or soy milk. This will change the flavor a bit but still keep it creamy. For nut allergies, use oat milk or sunflower seed milk. You can also replace soy sauce with coconut aminos for a soy-free option. You can add different spices and herbs to change the taste. For a kick, add crushed red pepper flakes. If you love herbs, try adding fresh basil or oregano. A bit of lemon zest can brighten the dish, too. Let your taste buds guide you! After enjoying your creamy vegan caramelized onion pasta, let it cool first. Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the pasta fresh and tasty for your next meal. To reheat, add the pasta to a skillet over low heat. Stir in a splash of vegetable broth or coconut milk. This helps to restore creaminess. Heat until it’s warm, but don’t let it boil. You want to keep that delicious flavor intact! If you want to save pasta for later, freezing works great. Divide the cooled pasta into individual portions. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Label them with the date. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above. Yes, you can use any plant-based milk. Almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk work well. However, choose a rich milk for the best creaminess. Coconut milk is great because it adds a nice flavor and texture. Nutritional yeast is a yellow, flaky ingredient. It has a cheesy flavor and is packed with nutrients. It adds depth to your sauce and gives it a creamy taste. Plus, it provides B vitamins, making it a healthy addition. This recipe can be gluten-free if you select the right pasta. Look for gluten-free pasta made from rice or lentils. Always check the label to be sure. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’re safe there! To spice things up, add crushed red pepper flakes. Mix them into the sauce to taste. You can also add fresh chili or hot sauce for a kick. Adjust the spice level based on your preference for heat. This blog post covered the key ingredients and steps to make a creamy pasta dish. I shared how to caramelize onions, cook pasta, and create the sauce. You learned tips to keep your dish creamy without dairy, along with storage methods and reheating tips. You can try variations and substitutions to fit your taste. Remember, cooking is all about exploring and having fun with flavors. Enjoy your pasta adventures!

Creamy Vegan Caramelized Onion Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring caramelized onions and a rich coconut milk sauce, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Vegan
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 300 g pasta (any shape, preferably whole grain)
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 cup coconut milk (canned)
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
  • optional crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions
 

  • Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized.
  • Add Garlic: Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Cook the Pasta: While the onions are caramelizing, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  • Make the Sauce: To the skillet with the onions and garlic, add the vegetable broth, coconut milk, nutritional yeast, soy sauce or tamari, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well and allow the mixture to simmer for about 5-7 minutes.
  • Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  • Final Touch: Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
  • Serve: Divide the creamy pasta onto plates and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

Serve the pasta in shallow bowls, drizzled with a bit more olive oil and topped with extra nutritional yeast or fresh herbs for visual appeal.
Keyword caramelized onions, comfort food, creamy, pasta, vegan