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Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta Recipe


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4.3 from 38 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 38 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This creamy caramelized onion pasta is a rich and flavorful vegan dish featuring sweet, deeply caramelized onions combined with a smooth cashew cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting meal, it uses simple ingredients like dry fettuccine pasta, onions, and raw cashews to create a luscious, dairy-free sauce that coats the noodles beautifully.


Ingredients

Onions and Seasoning

  • 2 large onions
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 tsp salt (divided)
  • 1 tsp sugar

Pasta

  • 4.5 ounces dry fettuccine pasta

Cashew Cream Sauce

  • 3/4 cup raw cashews (soaked overnight)
  • 1/2 cup water (plus 2 tbsp for deglazing)
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp nutritional yeast


Instructions

  1. Slice the Onions: Peel the onions and slice them into thin 1/8-inch (3 mm) slices to prepare for caramelizing.
  2. Sauté: Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring regularly, until onions begin to turn light golden brown.
  3. Season and Caramelize: Add 1/4 teaspoon salt and sugar, then continue to sauté the onions for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become deeply caramelized and develop a rich golden brown color.
  4. Deglaze: Pour 2 tablespoons of water into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the pan. This adds extra flavor. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside with the onions inside.
  5. Make Cashew Cream: Drain soaked cashews and blend them with 1/2 cup water, white vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and nutritional yeast until smooth and creamy, about 20-30 seconds. Set aside.
  6. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and transfer the pasta to the skillet with the caramelized onions.
  7. Combine and Heat: Pour the cashew cream over the pasta and onions. Toss to coat evenly with tongs or spatulas. Return the skillet to medium heat and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add water if the sauce is too thick to reach desired consistency.
  8. Serve: Taste and adjust salt if necessary. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil and a sprinkle of black pepper. Serve immediately.
  9. Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Notes

  • Soaking cashews overnight results in a smoother cashew cream.
  • Use vegan butter to keep this recipe fully plant-based.
  • Adjust sugar quantity depending on how sweet you like your caramelized onions.
  • To make this gluten-free, substitute fettuccine with gluten-free pasta.
  • For added flavor, garnish with fresh herbs and freshly ground black pepper.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 28 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian