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Caramelized Onion Pasta

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

Caramelized Onion Pasta blends deeply sweet onions with rich tomato paste, capers, and a splash of red wine for a savory, satisfying dish. The sauce simmers slowly while you prepare golden herbed breadcrumbs from sourdough and fresh parsley, creating a crunchy topping. Toss everything together with your favorite pasta and serve hot. It's ideal for cozy weeknights or impressing guests, thanks to its balance of ease and elegance.

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Published By Ioana
Updated on Mon, 16 Jun 2025 18:42:19 GMT
A plate of pasta with a generous amount of cheese and caramelized onions. Bookmark
A plate of pasta with a generous amount of cheese and caramelized onions. | ioanacooks.com

Caramelized Onion Pasta is my go-to comfort meal when I want something satisfying without too much fuss. With a few humble ingredients and some patience, the deep sweetness of caramelized onions becomes a rich foundation for a velvety sauce. The crunchy homemade breadcrumbs bring contrast and texture, and a splash of wine elevates the whole dish. It is the kind of pasta that feels both rustic and refined.

The first time I made this was on a chilly Sunday evening and it instantly became a house favorite. Now it is a staple when I want a meal that tastes like a hug in a bowl.

Ingredients

  • Vegan butter: adds richness and depth without dairy
  • Olive oil: keeps everything luscious and smooth use good quality extra virgin
  • Yellow onions: the star of the show take time to caramelize for best flavor
  • Fresh cracked pepper: adds spice and warmth grind it fresh for best results
  • Salt: essential for seasoning layers add to taste gradually
  • Sourdough bread: preferably stale for the best crunchy crumbs
  • Garlic: boosts flavor and brings a savory base to the breadcrumbs
  • Pasta noodles: choose your favorite shape that holds sauce well like rigatoni or linguine
  • Fresh parsley: brightens the dish and balances the richness
  • Tomato paste: gives the sauce a concentrated umami punch
  • Capers: add briny pops that balance the sweetness
  • Dry red wine: deepens the flavor use one you would drink

Step-by-Step Instructions

Caramelize the Onions:
Start by heating vegan butter and half the olive oil in a large non stick sauté pan over medium heat. Add the diced onions with half the salt and pepper. Stir well then cover and cook low and slow for about 30 to 40 minutes stirring every few minutes. Add a tablespoon or two of water if the bottom starts to brown too much. You want deep golden color and melting softness. This step cannot be rushed it is where the magic happens.
Make the Breadcrumbs:
Pulse sourdough bread garlic and half the parsley in a food processor until you get coarse crumbs. Heat the remaining olive oil in another pan over medium heat. Toast the crumbs stirring frequently until golden and crisp. Season with salt and pepper and set aside. These add irresistible crunch on top.
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package until just al dente. Before draining scoop out two cups of the starchy water and set aside. Do not rinse the pasta. You want it hot and ready to absorb the sauce.
Build the Sauce:
Add the tomato paste to the caramelized onions and stir it in until it deepens in color about 5 minutes. Add the rest of the parsley capers and red wine. Stir well and let it simmer so the wine reduces and blends into the sauce. Add in the reserved pasta water then cover and simmer for about 20 minutes until thick and glossy.
Toss and Finish:
Add the hot cooked pasta straight into the sauce and toss to coat thoroughly. Let it sit for a minute to soak up flavor. Plate and sprinkle generously with your crispy breadcrumbs and more chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy the aroma and depth in every bite.
A plate of pasta with cheese and herbs on top. Bookmark
A plate of pasta with cheese and herbs on top. | ioanacooks.com

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to three days. Store the breadcrumbs separately to keep them crisp. Reheat the pasta gently on the stove with a splash of water or wine.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have red wine use balsamic vinegar or even a splash of vegetable broth. Any rustic bread works in place of sourdough. Try shallots instead of yellow onions for a more delicate sweetness.

A plate of pasta with caramelized onions. Bookmark
A plate of pasta with caramelized onions. | ioanacooks.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve this with a green salad and crusty bread for a full meal. It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a glass of the same red wine used in the sauce.

Cultural Context

This dish takes inspiration from Italian cucina povera traditions making magic from simple pantry ingredients. It is a reminder that time and technique can turn anything into luxury.

I adore using capers in this dish. They punch through the sweet onions in just the right way. Last time I made it we lit candles and ate in silence because it was that good. This recipe is special.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ What type of onion works best?

Yellow onions are ideal as they caramelize well and develop a sweet flavor when cooked slowly.

→ Can I substitute the red wine?

Yes, vegetable broth or balsamic vinegar diluted with water can be used as alternatives to red wine.

→ How long do onions take to caramelize?

Properly caramelized onions take about 30 to 40 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

→ Can I make the breadcrumbs ahead of time?

Yes, homemade breadcrumbs can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

→ What pasta shape is recommended?

Use long noodles like linguine or spaghetti, which hold the sauce well and create a satisfying texture.

→ Is this dish vegan?

Yes, it uses vegan butter and no animal products, making it completely plant-based.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Sweet onions and red wine make this pasta dish both simple and decadent.

Time Needed to Prep
20 minutes
Cooking Duration
60 minutes
Overall Time
80 minutes
Published By: Ioana

Category of Recipe: Main Dishes

Preparation Difficulty: Medium Difficulty

Type of Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Number of Portions: 4 How Many It Serves (1 large pot of pasta)

Dietary Preferences: Vegan Safe, Made for Vegetarians, Dairy-Free Suitable

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Main Components

Ingredient 01 2 tablespoons vegan butter
Ingredient 02 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Ingredient 03 3 pounds yellow onions, diced
Ingredient 04 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh cracked black pepper, divided
Ingredient 05 1 teaspoon salt, divided
Ingredient 06 1 pound pasta noodles of choice
Ingredient 07 6 ounces tomato paste
Ingredient 08 1/3 cup capers, drained and rinsed
Ingredient 09 1/2 cup dry red wine
Ingredient 10 3/4 cup chopped parsley, divided, plus more for garnish

→ Breadcrumbs

Ingredient 11 2 cups sourdough bread, preferably day-old, cut or torn into pieces
Ingredient 12 5 cloves garlic

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Heat vegan butter and half the olive oil in a non-stick sauté pan over medium heat. Add diced onions, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are deeply caramelized, adding water to deglaze if necessary.

Step 02

In a food processor, pulse sourdough bread, garlic, and a portion of parsley into coarse crumbs. Heat remaining olive oil in a pan, then toast the mixture until golden brown. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.

Step 03

Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, following package instructions. Reserve 2 cups of pasta water, then drain the noodles without rinsing.

Step 04

Stir tomato paste into the caramelized onions and cook until it darkens. Add remaining parsley, capers, and red wine. Simmer until wine reduces. Pour in reserved pasta water and simmer covered for 20 minutes.

Step 05

Add pasta to the sauce and toss thoroughly. Serve immediately, garnished with herby breadcrumbs and fresh parsley.

Extra Tips

  1. Using day-old sourdough enhances the texture and flavor of the homemade breadcrumbs.

Tools You'll Need

  • Non-stick sauté pan
  • Food processor
  • Large pot

Allergen Information

Carefully check food labels for allergens and consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains gluten from pasta and sourdough bread
  • Contains potential sulfites from red wine

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, these values are for guidance only and shouldn't replace advice from a professional.
  • Calories Per Serving: 640
  • Total Fat: 28 grams
  • Carbohydrate Amount: 78 grams
  • Protein Amount: 14 grams