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
Units
Scale
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
