Get ready to fall in love with One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta—a cozy, flavor-packed dish that truly celebrates what humble ingredients can do when brought together in just one pan. This recipe is all about transforming sweet onions and creamy garlic into a gorgeous, silky sauce that clings to every piece of pasta. Whether you’re craving something ridiculously comforting on a busy weeknight or aiming to impress friends with minimal effort, One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta delivers a perfect blend of savory, tangy, and herby notes that will make it your new go-to.

One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta recipe plays a starring role—nothing complicated, just a handful of pantry staples and fresh herbs working together. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few helpful hints to bring out the absolute best flavor and texture in every bite.

Yellow onions: These form the sweet, caramelized backbone of your sauce—use small ones for faster cooking and depth.
Head of garlic: Roasting tames the garlic and turns it buttery, perfect for squeezing into the pasta at the end.
Sun dried tomatoes: Their tangy-rich pop gives the dish an irresistible savoriness and lovely color.
Salt: Essential for coaxing out sweetness from the onions as they cook down.
Black pepper: A gentle heat and fragrance to keep every forkful interesting.
Paprika: Adds classic warmth and a subtle smokiness that amplifies the caramelized notes.
Dried parsley: Infuses earthiness and balances out the sweet onions.
Coconut milk: Creaminess without dairy, giving the sauce its luscious body and texture.
Farfalle pasta: Those little bow-ties are perfect for holding onto this addicting sauce!
Fresh parsley: A handful of this brightens everything at the very end—don’t skimp on freshness here.
Fresh basil: Sweet, floral, and a flawless pairing with the tangy flavors in the dish.
Lemon: Juiced right in for a last zingy flourish that wakes up every taste in the bowl.

How to Make One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by setting your oven to 400F; you want it piping hot to caramelize everything beautifully. While the oven heats, slice your onions and prep your sun dried tomatoes. Slice the very top off your garlic head, leaving the skin on but exposing the cloves—this step makes them easy to squeeze later.

Step 2: Layer the Flavor

Grab a good-sized casserole dish and add your sliced onions, chopped sun dried tomatoes, paprika, salt, black pepper, and dried parsley. Give everything a generous toss to coat, then place your garlic head right in the center. Drizzle liberally with olive oil or, for bonus flavor, the oil from your sun dried tomatoes. Cover tightly with foil to trap steam and flavor.

Step 3: Roast to Sweet Perfection

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for one hour, tossing everything halfway through. This transforms the onions into meltingly soft, golden ribbons and gives the tomatoes time to meld into the sauce. Don’t worry if the pan looks a bit dry at first—the onions will release plenty of moisture as they cook.

Step 4: Boil Pasta

About 20 minutes before the onions finish roasting, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your farfalle until just al dente. Don’t forget to scoop out about a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining—it’s liquid gold for the sauce.

Step 5: Build Your Creamy Sauce

When the onions are caramelized and out of the oven, carefully remove the roasted garlic from the dish. Squeeze the soft, mellow cloves back in; they’ll melt right in as you stir. Toss in the fresh parsley, basil, lemon juice, coconut milk, and cooked farfalle. Use your reserved pasta water to loosen and toss until your One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta looks glossy and irresistible. Season to taste, serve hot, and bask in the applause!

How to Serve One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta

Garnishes

Finish your One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta with a generous shower of extra chopped parsley or basil for freshness. A scatter of lemon zest, a pinch of flaky sea salt, or a swirl of good olive oil over each bowl will make everything sing. If you love a touch of heat, a light dusting of red chili flakes goes beautifully here.

Side Dishes

This pasta is bold enough to stand on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or simple roasted veggies. Crusty bread is nearly non-negotiable—perfect for mopping up every last drop of that silky sauce. For something heartier, serve alongside a protein like roasted chicken or grilled tofu.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta family-style, letting everyone dig in straight from the pan for a fun, rustic vibe. Or, pile it into shallow pasta bowls and crown with extra herbs for elegant individual portions. For a dinner party twist, portion into ramekins and top with a dollop of vegan ricotta or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta stores like a dream. Cool any leftovers completely, then tuck them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors get even cozier as they mingle overnight—just remember to give a little stir before reheating.

Freezing

For longer storage, this pasta freezes well too! Portion cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags. They’ll keep for up to two months; just let them thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. If possible, freeze the pasta and sauce separately for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat your One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or coconut milk to revive the sauce’s creamy texture. Stir well as it heats to ensure everything gets evenly warm and luscious again. Top with extra herbs or a little lemon to refresh the flavors.

FAQs

Can I make One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the farfalle with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Chickpea- or lentil-based pasta varieties hold up especially well and soak up the sauce beautifully.

Is there a substitute for coconut milk?

Yes, if coconut milk isn’t your thing, use another unsweetened plant-based milk with a splash of olive oil, or opt for a bit of unsweetened cashew or oat cream for richness. Dairy drinkers can use half-and-half or heavy cream for an even silkier result.

What if I don’t have sun dried tomatoes?

No worries—cherry tomatoes work nicely in a pinch, or you can toss in a handful of roasted red peppers for a similar sweet-tangy vibe. Either way, the flavor will still shine thanks to those caramelized onions!

Can I double this recipe?

Definitely. Double all the ingredients and use a large roasting pan or two casserole dishes to give the vegetables enough room to caramelize well. This is a great way to feed a hungry crowd or meal prep for the week ahead.

Is One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta suitable for vegans?

Yes, it’s completely plant-based as written! Every ingredient in this dish is vegan-friendly, so it’s perfect for sharing with friends and family no matter their dietary preferences.

Final Thoughts

There’s something just magical about a recipe that turns everyday pantry ingredients into absolute comfort food bliss. If you haven’t tried One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta yet, you’re in for a real treat—the depth, creaminess, and full bouquet of flavors will have everyone asking for seconds. Go ahead and give it a whirl; your weeknight dinners just found a flavorful new favorite!