Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta
This Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta is the ultimate comfort food. Sweet, jammy onions are tossed in a luscious, savory cashew cream sauce with a hint of smoky paprika and a touch of heat from chili flakes. It's a restaurant-quality meal that's easily vegan and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 16 oz rigatoni, fettuccine, or spaghetti
- some for boiling Salted water
- 1 1/2-2 cups reserved pasta water
Caramelized Onions
- 3-4 large yellow onions thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter or vegan butter optional
- some to taste Salt & black pepper
- 1 tsp sugar optional, helps caramelize
Seasoning
- 4-5 cloves garlic minced
- 2 1/2-3 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1-1 ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 3/4-1 ½ tsp chili flakes to taste
Creamy Sauce
- 1 ¼ cups cashew cream or oat cream / heavy cream if not vegan
- 1/3-1/2 cup nutritional yeast or 3/4-1 cup freshly grated Parmesan if vegetarian
Finish
- 1-2 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil drizzle at end
- some Extra black pepper
- some optional Fresh parsley or basil
Instructions
Caramelize the Onions
- Heat olive oil (and butter if using) in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Lower heat slightly. Add sugar if using. Continue cooking 25–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and jammy. Add small splashes of water if needed to prevent sticking.
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente.
- Reserve 1½–2 cups pasta water, then drain.
Build the Flavor
- To the caramelized onions, add: Garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and chili flakes.
- Cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Make It Creamy
- Lower heat and stir in cashew cream.
- Add nutritional yeast (or Parmesan) and simmer gently 5–7 minutes until thickened.
- If sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water ¼ cup at a time until silky.
Combine and Finish
- Add cooked pasta to skillet and toss until evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: More salt, chili flakes, or smoked paprika if needed. Add a splash of pasta water for extra silkiness.
- Remove from heat and drizzle with sun-dried tomato oil.
- Top with fresh herbs and extra black pepper if desired. Let rest 2–3 minutes before serving — sauce will settle and thicken slightly.
Notes
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a small splash of water or plant milk to loosen the sauce as it will thicken significantly when cold. Customizing Heat
The chili flakes add a beautiful warmth. If you prefer a very mild dish, start with 1/2 tsp and adjust from there. For spice lovers, a full 1 1/2 tsp provides a nice kick that balances the sweet onions. Nutritional information is approximate values and can vary significantly depending on the specific brands of ingredients used. Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and should not be considered professional nutritional advice.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a small splash of water or plant milk to loosen the sauce as it will thicken significantly when cold. Customizing Heat
The chili flakes add a beautiful warmth. If you prefer a very mild dish, start with 1/2 tsp and adjust from there. For spice lovers, a full 1 1/2 tsp provides a nice kick that balances the sweet onions. Nutritional information is approximate values and can vary significantly depending on the specific brands of ingredients used. Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and should not be considered professional nutritional advice.
Nutrition
Serving: 450g | Calories: 640kcal | Carbohydrates: 80g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Sodium: 420mg | Potassium: 520mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 350IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 110mg | Iron: 4mg
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