A rich, flavorful vegan pasta with sweet caramelized onions, aromatic herbs, and a silky sauce that clings to every bite.
12 oz spaghetti or your preferred pasta
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 large onions, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
¼ cup vegetable broth or reserved pasta water
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional)
Red pepper flakes to taste (optional)
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; reserve ¼ cup pasta water before draining.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Cook onions with salt for 25–30 minutes until golden and caramelized.
Add garlic and cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Season with black pepper and smoked paprika.
Stir in vegetable broth or pasta water to create a silky sauce.
Toss pasta in the skillet until coated.
Remove from heat and stir in parsley, thyme, and nutritional yeast if desired. Adjust seasoning.
Serve immediately with optional red pepper flakes.
Caramelized onions can be made ahead and reheated.
Use reserved pasta water to help coat pasta with sauce.
Add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and texture.