This one-tray caramelized onion pasta is a delightful blend of sweet caramelized onions, roasted garlic, and creamy plant-based cheese. Packed with depth and flavor, it’s an easy, satisfying dinner that combines convenience with gourmet taste. Perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking for a hearty, plant-based dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Flavorful: The caramelized onions and roasted garlic bring a depth of sweetness and umami.
- Easy Cleanup: A one-tray method means less mess and more convenience.
- Plant-Based Creaminess: The plant-based cream cheese makes this dish rich and creamy while keeping it vegetarian.
- Customizable: Easily adapt with your favorite add-ins like roasted veggies or protein.
- Impressive Yet Simple: A dish that feels elegant but is straightforward to make.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Produce
- 5 medium onions (sliced)
- 1 bulb garlic (whole, top sliced off)
- 1 cup lentils or roasted chickpeas (optional, for protein)
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
Pasta & Grains
- 500 g (17.6 oz) cooked pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or your favorite)
Baking & Spices
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Oils & Vinegars
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
Dairy
- 5 1/3 oz (150 g) plant-based cream cheese
Directions
1. Caramelize the Onions and Roast the Garlic
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread the sliced onions on a large baking tray. Drizzle with 1/4 cup olive oil, and sprinkle with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and the onion and garlic powders. Toss to coat evenly.
- Add the whole bulb of garlic (with the top sliced off) to the tray, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap it in foil.
- Roast in the oven for 45–50 minutes, stirring the onions halfway through, until golden and caramelized.
2. Prepare the Pasta and Add-Ins
- While the onions roast, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- If using lentils or chickpeas, roast them on a separate tray with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of paprika, cayenne, and salt for 20 minutes.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
- Once the onions and garlic are roasted, remove the tray from the oven. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and mash them into a paste.
- Add the plant-based cream cheese, balsamic glaze, paprika, dried oregano, and sun-dried tomatoes to the tray with the onions. Stir to combine and create a creamy, flavorful sauce.
4. Combine with Pasta
- Toss the cooked pasta into the tray, mixing it with the sauce until fully coated. Add roasted lentils or chickpeas, if using, and mix well.
5. Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze. Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Variations
- Protein Boost: Add grilled tofu, tempeh, or your favorite plant-based protein.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta for a GF-friendly option.
- Veggie Add-Ins: Include roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added texture and nutrients.
- Cheese Substitute: If not vegan, swap the plant-based cream cheese for mascarpone or regular cream cheese.
- Herbaceous Twist: Add fresh basil or thyme for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: Freeze the sauce (without the pasta) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before use.
FAQs
1. Can I caramelize the onions faster?
While low-and-slow roasting develops the best flavor, you can sauté the onions on the stovetop over medium heat to save time.
2. What type of pasta works best?
Long noodles like spaghetti or linguine pair beautifully with the creamy sauce, but short pasta like penne also works well.
3. Can I skip the plant-based cream cheese?
Yes, substitute with coconut cream or cashew cream for a similar creamy texture.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the onions and sauce ahead of time and mix with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
5. Is this recipe spicy?
Not unless you add cayenne pepper. Adjust the spice level to your liking.
6. Can I use jarred caramelized onions?
Yes, jarred caramelized onions can save time, but fresh roasted onions provide the best flavor.
7. What’s the purpose of the roasted garlic?
Roasted garlic adds a sweet, mellow flavor that enhances the overall depth of the dish.
8. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?
Yes, but sun-dried tomatoes provide a richer, more concentrated flavor.
9. How can I make this oil-free?
Sauté the onions with vegetable broth instead of olive oil and omit the drizzle at the end.
10. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, if not vegan, you can use goat cheese, ricotta, or even cream for a different creamy element.
Conclusion
One-tray caramelized onion pasta is a perfect blend of sweetness, creaminess, and heartiness in every bite. With roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and plant-based cream cheese, this dish is elegant yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Customize it to suit your preferences and enjoy a wholesome, flavorful meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Print
One-Tray Caramelized Onion Pasta
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This creamy caramelized onion pasta is a comforting dish that combines the natural sweetness of slow-cooked onions, roasted garlic, and the richness of plant-based cream cheese. With simple ingredients roasted to perfection in one tray, it’s an easy and satisfying dinner idea!
Ingredients
Produce:
- 5 medium onions (thinly sliced)
- 1 bulb garlic (roasted whole)
- 1 cup lentils or roasted chickpeas (optional, for added protein)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1/3 cup parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Pasta & Grains:
- 500 g (17.6 oz) cooked pasta (any type, like penne, spaghetti, or fusilli)
Baking & Spices:
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
Oils & Vinegars:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
Dairy (Plant-Based):
- 5 1/3 oz plant-based cream cheese
Instructions
1. Prep the Onions and Garlic:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread the sliced onions on a large baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Toss to coat.
- Cut the top off the garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil. Place the garlic bulb on the tray with the onions.
2. Roast the Vegetables:
- Roast the onions and garlic in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, stirring the onions halfway through, until caramelized and golden brown.
3. Combine the Sauce:
- Once roasted, remove the garlic from the foil and squeeze the softened garlic cloves into the tray with the caramelized onions.
- Stir in the balsamic glaze, sun-dried tomatoes, and plant-based cream cheese. Mix until the cream cheese melts and creates a creamy sauce.
4. Add the Pasta and Lentils/Chickpeas:
- Add the cooked pasta and roasted lentils or chickpeas to the tray. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
5. Serve and Garnish:
- Sprinkle the pasta with fresh parsley and serve warm. Enjoy your flavorful, plant-based caramelized onion pasta!
Notes
- Protein Option: Swap lentils or chickpeas with roasted tofu or seared plant-based sausage for more variety.
- Make Ahead: Roast the onions and garlic ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat and combine with pasta when ready to serve.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- Extra Creaminess: Add a splash of plant-based milk or vegetable broth if the sauce feels too thick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Vegetarian, Plant-Based
