Prepare to transform your ordinary pasta night into a culinary adventure that will make your taste buds dance! This Vegan Caramelized Onion Pasta is not just a meal; it's a symphony of rich, deeply caramelized flavors that will have you forgetting you're eating a plant-based dish. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a touch of cooking magic, you'll create a restaurant-worthy meal that's both comforting and incredibly satisfying.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by thinly slicing the onions, mincing the garlic, and chopping fresh parsley.
- Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they become deeply golden and caramelized, approximately 15-18 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the caramelized onions and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Season the onion mixture with salt and black pepper, stirring to combine thoroughly.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet with caramelized onions, tossing gently to combine. If the mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water gradually.
- Sprinkle nutritional yeast over the pasta and mix well to create a creamy, savory coating.
- Transfer pasta to serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the rich, caramelized flavors of the dish.
Tips
- Patience is key when caramelizing onions. Cook them on medium-low heat and resist the urge to rush the process. Slow cooking allows the natural sugars to develop a deep, golden color and rich, sweet flavor.
- Use a wide, heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution when caramelizing onions. This ensures they brown evenly without burning.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy water helps create a silky sauce and helps the nutritional yeast coat the pasta more effectively.
- For extra depth of flavor, try using different types of pasta like whole wheat, chickpea, or even a gluten-free alternative to suit your dietary needs.
- Fresh parsley is not just a garnish – it adds a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness of the caramelized onions.
- If you want to add more protein, consider mixing in some white beans or toasted pine nuts for extra texture and nutrition.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
