Name: Creamy Vegan Caramelized Onion Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta of choice (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine); 2 large yellow or sweet onions, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (e.g., oat or almond); 1/2 cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 20–30 minutes); 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish (optional)

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Creamy vegan caramelized onion pasta is a rich, comforting dish that’s full of flavor without relying on dairy or meat. Slow-cooked onions create a deep, sweet base, while a silky, plant-based cream sauce ties everything together. It’s one of those meals I love making when I want something indulgent yet wholesome.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this pasta delivers big, satisfying flavor with minimal ingredients. The caramelized onions bring sweetness and depth, and the creamy vegan sauce feels indulgent without being heavy. It’s perfect for weeknights, date nights, or whenever I’m craving a cozy bowl of pasta that happens to be dairy-free and plant-powered.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pasta of choice (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine work great)
Yellow or sweet onions (thinly sliced)
Olive oil or vegan butter
Garlic (minced)
Plant-based milk (unsweetened, like oat or almond milk)
Raw cashews (soaked, or use store-bought vegan cream)
Nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor)
Lemon juice
Salt and black pepper
Fresh parsley or thyme (for garnish, optional)

Directions

I soak the cashews in hot water for 20–30 minutes (unless I’m using a pre-made vegan cream).
I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat and add the sliced onions. I cook them slowly, stirring often, until deep golden and caramelized—about 30–40 minutes.
While the onions cook, I boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions, then drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
I blend the soaked cashews with plant-based milk, garlic, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Once the onions are caramelized, I add the cooked pasta to the pan along with the cashew cream sauce.
I toss everything together, adding a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed, and let it simmer for a minute or two.
I serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme, and extra black pepper.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 3–4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra texture and nutrition. For a smoky twist, I mix in a touch of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke. I’ve also used silken tofu instead of cashews in the sauce for a nut-free version, and it worked well. If I want more “cheesy” flavor, I add extra nutritional yeast or a spoonful of miso paste.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I add a splash of plant milk or water and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. The sauce thickens as it sits, so loosening it with liquid brings it back to its creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I make this without cashews?

Yes, I sometimes use unsweetened vegan cream, blended tofu, or even coconut cream (if I don’t mind a slight coconut flavor).

How long does it take to caramelize onions?

Usually 30–40 minutes. I cook them low and slow to bring out the natural sweetness and avoid burning.

What’s the best pasta for this recipe?

I like using long pasta like spaghetti or linguine, but short pasta like penne or fusilli works too.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. I use gluten-free pasta and check that my plant milk and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

How can I make the sauce more “cheesy”?

I add more nutritional yeast, a bit of Dijon mustard, or even a spoonful of miso paste for an umami boost.

Conclusion

Creamy vegan caramelized onion pasta is the kind of meal that feels fancy but is easy enough to make anytime. I love how it turns humble ingredients into something rich, comforting, and deeply flavorful. Whether I’m serving it for dinner guests or enjoying it solo with a glass of wine, it’s always a hit.