Name: One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 5 small yellow onions, sliced, or 3 large; 1 head garlic, top sliced off; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp paprika; 1 tsp dried parsley; ½ cup coconut milk; 3 cups farfalle pasta, cooked; 1 handful fresh parsley, chopped; 1 handful fresh basil, chopped; 1 lemon, juiced

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite comfort food: One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta! This mouthwatering casserole combines golden, deeply sweet onions, garlic roasted to mellow perfection, chewy farfalle, sun dried tomatoes, and a creamy, plant-based sauce that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). Perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or even low-key dinner parties, this dish offers a big payoff for surprisingly little effort. One pan, maximum flavor, and minimal cleanup — what’s not to adore?

One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta is in its simplicity. Every ingredient pulls its weight, from the sweetness of onions to the bright touch of citrus at the end. Here’s why you need each part on your shopping list:

Yellow Onions: The soul of this dish! When cooked low and slow, they become sweet, golden, and utterly irresistible.
Garlic: Roasted whole, it mellows and infuses a gentle depth into every bite.
Sun Dried Tomatoes: Bring a tangy, savory burst that punches up the flavor and adds gorgeous color.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning, highlighting all those caramelized, toasty flavors.
Paprika: Adds gentle warmth and a subtle smokiness that ties everything together.
Dried Parsley: For an herby backbone that plays beautifully with the sweet onions.
Coconut Milk: Makes the sauce creamy and rich while keeping it dairy-free and luscious.
Farfalle Pasta: Bow-tie pasta is fun to eat and holds the creamy sauce perfectly!
Fresh Parsley & Basil: Add a hit of freshness and vibrant color at the very end.
Lemon Juice: Brightens up the whole dish and lifts the creamy sauce to new heights.

How to Make One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta

Step 1: Prep Your Flavor Base

Start by preheating your oven to 400F and slicing up your onions. Add the onions, chopped sun dried tomatoes, paprika, salt, black pepper, and dried parsley to your casserole dish. Give everything a good toss so those spices and aromatics coat each strand of onion. Place the whole head of garlic (with the top sliced off) right in the center of it all — it’ll roast to gooey, spreadable perfection!

Step 2: Oil, Cover, and Bake

Drizzle the onion mixture with a generous glug of olive oil (or if you’re feeling fancy, the oil from your sun dried tomatoes for extra flavor). Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil so all those magical juices and aromas stay put. Into the oven it goes for an hour, tossing everything halfway through to ensure even caramelization. By the end, your onions should be beautifully browned and your house will smell incredible.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

About 20 minutes before your onions are done, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the farfalle pasta according to the package instructions until just al dente — you want it to still have a little bite. Reserve about a cup of that starchy pasta water (trust me, it’s liquid gold for your sauce!).

Step 4: Squeeze and Combine

Carefully remove your casserole from the oven. Take out the garlic head and, once it’s cool enough to handle, squeeze those roasted cloves right back onto the onions (they should be soft and buttery). Add in your freshly chopped parsley, basil, and a big squeeze of lemon juice, followed by the creamy coconut milk. Fold in the cooked pasta and splash in enough reserved pasta water to get the sauce as silky as you like.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Give everything a gentle stir so the farfalle is coated in all that creamy caramelized goodness. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with more fresh herbs if you like, then get ready to dive in — One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta is at its height when served fresh and hot!

How to Serve One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta

Garnishes

Don’t skip the finishing touches! A sprinkle of extra chopped fresh parsley and basil brings a garden-fresh brightness, and a final squeeze of lemon wakes up all those cozy flavors. If you love a little crunch, try a handful of toasted breadcrumbs or pine nuts on top for contrast.

Side Dishes

This pasta is comfort food you can dress up or down. It’s delicious all by itself, but pairing it with a peppery arugula salad or a simple roasted vegetable medley brings even more color to the table. Some crusty Italian bread wouldn’t hurt either — perfect for swiping up any leftover sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For fun dinner party vibes, serve One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta in small ramekins or pasta bowls, topped with an extra swirl of coconut milk and a fresh basil leaf. Or, twirl portions onto individual plates and scatter with microgreens or roasted cherry tomatoes for an elegant twist. This dish is versatile enough to wow at casual family dinners or special occasions alike!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have extra One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta? Cool it to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It will stay delicious in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Freezing

While the fresh herbs may lose some vibrancy, the pasta and sauce freeze surprisingly well! Let the dish cool, then pack into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, transfer your portion of pasta to a skillet or microwave-safe dish with a splash of water or extra coconut milk. Warm over medium-low heat (or microwave in 1-minute bursts), stirring occasionally until heated through and creamy again. Top with a fresh sprinkle of herbs to revive that just-cooked flavor!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While farfalle is fun and holds sauce well, you can swap in penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti with great results. Just stick to a shape that captures plenty of creamy sauce.

What makes One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta taste so good?

The deep, natural sweetness of caramelized onions paired with mellowed roasted garlic and bright pops from sun dried tomatoes create layers of flavor that blend perfectly with the creamy, lemony sauce. It’s a symphony of tastes and textures in every bite!

Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?

This One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta is naturally vegan thanks to coconut milk and no animal products. To make it gluten-free, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta — the flavors will shine just as brightly.

Do I have to use coconut milk?

Not at all! If you’re not a fan of coconut or want a nut-free option, you can try unsweetened oat milk, cashew cream, or even a splash of regular cream (if you’re not vegan). Adjust thickness to taste.

Can I add extra vegetables or protein?

For sure! Toss in baby spinach, roasted mushrooms, or cooked chickpeas for added nutrition and heartiness. This recipe is super flexible, so personalize it to fit your cravings or what’s in your fridge.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and soul-satisfying meal, One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta will earn a place in your regular rotation. Try it once, and you’ll see why this easy recipe is pure magic on busy weeknights and special enough for company. Let your kitchen fill with the sweet aroma of caramelized onions, then dig in and savor every bite!

One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta Recipe