One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta Recipe

If you are looking for a comforting, flavorful, and downright addictive pasta dish, you have to try this One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta Recipe. Sweetly caramelized onions mingle perfectly with sun dried tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a touch of creamy coconut milk to create a rich, satisfying casserole that comes together beautifully in one pan. It’s a fuss-free recipe that elevates simple ingredients into a dinner experience that feels special yet totally doable any night of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this recipe lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role — from the sweetness of the onions to the creaminess of the coconut milk, every element works together to build layers of flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll gather before you start:

• 5 small yellow onions (or 3 large), sliced: The star ingredient that caramelizes to a deep, golden sweetness, providing the backbone of the dish.
• 1 head garlic, top sliced off: Roasted whole, it lends mellow, soft garlic flavor that blends beautifully into the sauce.
• ½ cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped: Adds a burst of tangy, concentrated sweetness that balances the dish.
• 1 tsp salt: Enhances and melds all the flavors together.
• 1 tsp black pepper: Provides a mild heat and depth without overpowering.
• 1 tbsp paprika: Brings a smoky warmth and vibrant color.
• 1 tsp dried parsley: Adds a subtle herbaceous note.
• ½ cup coconut milk: Creates a luscious, dairy-free creaminess.
• 3 cups farfalle pasta, cooked: The perfect pasta shape to hold all that lovely sauce and onions.
• 1 handful fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens and freshens every bite.
• 1 handful fresh basil, chopped: Adds a sweet, fragrant lift at the end.
• 1 lemon, juiced: A splash of acidity that cuts through the richness with zesty brightness.

How to Make One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prep the Casserole

Start by heating your oven to 400°F. In a casserole dish, combine the sliced onions, chopped sun dried tomatoes, paprika, salt, pepper, and dried parsley. Toss everything together to ensure that the spices coat the onions evenly. Nestle the whole head of garlic (with its top sliced off to expose the cloves) in the middle of the dish. This setup will create the foundation for those deep caramelized flavors.

Step 2: Add Oil and Roast

Drizzle olive oil or reserved sun dried tomato oil generously over the entire dish. Cover the casserole with foil and pop it into the oven. Roast for one hour, but don’t forget to toss the onions carefully halfway through cooking — this encourages even caramelization and maximizes flavor development. By the end, your onions should be perfectly soft, golden, and irresistibly sweet.

Step 3: Cook Pasta While Onions Roast

About 20 minutes before your onions are done, start cooking the farfalle pasta according to the package’s instructions. Reserve up to a cup of the pasta water before draining — this starchy water will help create the perfect sauce consistency later on. It’s the kind of multitasking that makes this One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta Recipe so efficient and enjoyable.

Step 4: Assemble the Final Dish

Once the onions are roasted, remove the garlic head and when cool enough, squeeze the soft cloves out into the casserole. Add the fresh herbs, lemon juice, coconut milk, cooked pasta, and a splash of reserved pasta water if needed. Stir everything gently to combine, allowing the flavors to mingle and the sauce to coat each piece of pasta with silky, onion-infused goodness.

How to Serve One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate the dish even further, sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley or perhaps some toasted pine nuts on top before serving. These add lovely crunch and bursts of freshness that will surprise and delight your taste buds.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with a zesty vinaigrette, or some crusty artisan bread to mop up every last drop of that luscious sauce. For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts make terrific companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, serve the pasta in warmed shallow bowls, garnished with lemon zest and a drizzle of good olive oil. You can also plate it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a more substantial meal. Its vibrant colors and rich flavors make it an inviting centerpiece that feels both rustic and refined.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a tasty next-day lunch or dinner.

Freezing

Although the pasta may lose a little texture when frozen, you can freeze the casserole in a suitable container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or coconut milk to restore creaminess. Stir often to keep it from drying out and to evenly warm every bite.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While farfalle works beautifully because of its shape, you can substitute with penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti depending on what you have on hand.

Is coconut milk necessary?

Coconut milk adds a lovely creamy texture and slight sweetness, but if you prefer, heavy cream or a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream can be used.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

This recipe is already vegan as long as you use plant-based pasta and coconut milk, making it perfect for those following a plant-based lifestyle.

How long does it take to caramelize the onions?

Roasting the onions in the oven covered with foil for one hour allows them to slowly caramelize without burning, achieving that perfect golden color and sweet flavor.

What if I don’t have sun dried tomatoes?

You can substitute with roasted red peppers or omit entirely, though sun dried tomatoes add a unique depth that complements the onions wonderfully.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about this One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta Recipe. It takes humble ingredients and transforms them into a cozy, rich, and comforting meal that’s perfect any time you crave simple yet elegant flavors. Give it a try — I promise it will become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection!

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