Caramelized Onion & Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Sweet, smoky, and richly creamy—this pasta will turn even onion cynics!

Ditch dull pasta nights—this Caramelized Onion & Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is a lesson in the art of turning humble ingredients into sheer depth of flavor! Envision ribbons of sautéed golden onions, patiently coaxed to sticky, caramelized nirvana, their natural sweetness cut by the savory zing of sun-dried tomatoes and the smooth, nutty richness of whole roasted garlic. When tossed with farfalle’s playful bow-tie shape (ideally suited to catch every last drop of sauce) and anointed in a rich coconut milk sauce redolent of smoky paprika, every bite is a texture-and-flavor symphony—creamy, sweet, tart, and herbaceous all combined.

The magic of this dish lies in its ability to turn pantry ingredients into gourmet comfort food:

👉 Onions are the real hero, caramelling into a jammy, umami-rich foundation

👉 Whole roasted garlic dissolves into the sauce, imparting rich creaminess without astringency

👉 Sun-dried tomatoes bring explosions of intense flavor and chewy texture

👉 Coconut milk builds rich creaminess without resorting to dairy

👉 Fresh lemon and herbs inject each bite with a burst of freshness

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

🧄 Garlic two ways: Roasted whole head for creaminess + caramelized onions for sweetness.

🥥 Dairy-free decadence: Coconut milk adds richness without heaviness.

🕒 Minimal effort: Let the onions and garlic work their magic while you relax.

🌿 Fresh finish: Lemon and herbs brighten every bite.

🍝 Pasta perfection: Farfalle’s folds catch every drop of sauce.

Ingredients

(Serves 4)

For the Pasta

👉 3 cups farfalle pasta (or penne/rigatoni)

👉 5 small yellow onions, thinly sliced (or 3 large)

👉 1 whole garlic head, top sliced off

👉 ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed for extra flavor)

👉 1 tsp salt

👉 1 tsp black pepper

👉 1 tbsp paprika (smoked or sweet)

👉 1 tsp dried parsley

👉 ½ cup coconut milk (full-fat for creaminess)

To Finish

👉 1 handful fresh parsley, chopped

👉 1 handful fresh basil, chopped

👉 1 lemon, juiced

👉 Optional: Vegan Parmesan or toasted breadcrumbs

Instructions

📌 Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

👉 Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a deep pan over medium-low. Add onions, salt, and pepper.

👉 Cook for 25-30 mins, stirring occasionally, until deep golden. Add splashes of water to prevent sticking. florets for roasting later).

📌 Step 2: Roast the Garlic

👉 Drizzle garlic head with 1 tbsp oil, wrap in foil, and roast at 200°C (400°F) for 20 mins (or cook in the pan, covered, for 15 mins).

📌 Step 3: Cook the Pasta

👉 Boil farfalle in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water.

📌 Step 4: Make Sauce

👉 Squeeze roasted garlic cloves into the caramelized onions.

👉 Add sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, dried parsley, and coconut milk. Simmer for 5 mins.

📌 Step 5: Combine

👉 Toss pasta with sauce, adding pasta water as needed.

👉 Finish with fresh herbs, lemon juice, and black pepper.

Serving Suggestions

🍞 With bread: Soak up every drop of sauce with crusty bread.

🥗 Lighter option: Add arugula or spinach for greens.

🧀 Extra richness: Sprinkle with vegan Parmesan.

Storage Tips

🗄️ Fridge: Keeps for 3 days (sauce thickens—loosen with water).

❄️ Freezer: Freeze sauce alone for 1 month.

Frequently Asked Questions

💬 Too sweet?

Add 1 tbsp vinegar or capers for balance.

💬 No coconut milk?

Use cashew cream or oat milk + 1 tbsp flour.

💬 Short on time?

Microwave onions for 5 mins before frying to speed up caramelization.

Final Thoughts

This pasta is comfort food with sophistication—simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary.

👉 Tag @VeganEatsAndTreats if you make it—I’ll feature your creation!