Vegan French Onion Pasta combines the rich, savory flavors of classic French onion soup with the comforting charm of pasta. This recipe is a perfect fusion of creamy, cheesy goodness and caramelized onion bliss, all veganized to satisfy every craving.
Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, this dish promises elegance and comfort in every bite.
Why You'll Love This
- Deep, Rich Flavor: Caramelized onions, thyme, and a touch of sherry or balsamic vinegar create a gourmet taste.
- Creamy & Indulgent: Thanks to vegan gruyere and stock, the sauce is luscious and satisfying.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh onions, it's easy and affordable.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: It’s elegant enough for a special meal but simple for weeknights.
Other Pasta Recipes You'll Love
- Pasta Puttanesca
- Cashew Cream Spaghetti
- Spaghetti Alla Chitarra
- Vegan Wallhalla Pasta
- Spaghetti With Vegan Caviar & Kale
Ingredients
- Vegan Butter: Adds richness and helps caramelize the onions.
- Olive Oil: Balances the butter for a smooth sauté base.
- Garlic & Herb Seasoning: Enhances the flavor with aromatic herbs.
- Bowtie Pasta: Holds the sauce beautifully and adds visual appeal.
- Onions: The star of the dish, caramelized to perfection.
- Thyme: Provides an earthy, aromatic depth.
- Flour: Thickens the sauce for a creamy consistency.
- Sherry or Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a tangy-sweet contrast to the onions.
- Vegan Gruyere: Melts into the sauce for a cheesy, authentic French onion flavor.
- Vegan Stock: Forms the base of the sauce, tying all the flavors together.
Steps
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet, melt vegan butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add thinly sliced onions and cook slowly until caramelized, about 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Thyme & Flour: Sprinkle in fresh thyme leaves and flour. Stir to coat the onions, cooking for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in sherry or balsamic vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Cook until reduced slightly.
- Make the Sauce: Gradually add vegan stock, whisking to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Cook the Pasta: In a separate pot, boil bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Combine & Finish: Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the onion sauce. Stir in vegan gruyere, adding reserved pasta water as needed for a creamy consistency.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme and an extra sprinkle of vegan gruyere.
Variations
- Different Pasta Shapes: Try fettuccine, rigatoni, or orecchiette for variety.
- Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, spinach, or roasted garlic for additional flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in red chili flakes for a hint of heat.
- Nutty Twist: Stir in a touch of nutritional yeast for added umami.
Substitutions
- Vegan Gruyere: Swap for vegan mozzarella or nutritional yeast.
- Sherry/Balsamic: Use apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for acidity.
- Bowtie Pasta: Any pasta shape works, including gluten-free options.
- Thyme: Substitute with rosemary or Italian seasoning.
FAQ
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of vegan stock to maintain creaminess.
Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! Vegan parmesan or cheddar will give a unique twist.
Top Tip
Take your time caramelizing the onions—this step is essential for developing the deep, rich flavor that defines the dish. Patience pays off!
Hint
Reserve pasta water—it’s liquid gold for achieving a silky sauce. Start with ¼ cup, adding more as needed to reach your desired consistency.
Vegan French Onion Pasta Recipe
Vegan French Onion Pasta combines the rich, savory flavors of classic French onion soup with the comforting charm of pasta. This recipe is a perfect fusion of creamy, cheesy goodness and caramelized onion bliss, all veganized to satisfy every craving. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, this dish promises elegance and comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons vegan butter: For richness and caramelizing the onions.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Balances the butter and prevents burning.
- 1 teaspoon garlic & herb seasoning: Enhances flavor with aromatic herbs.
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta: Holds the sauce beautifully and adds visual appeal.
- 3 large onions yellow or sweet: Thinly sliced; the star of the dish.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves: Provides an earthy aromatic depth.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce.
- ¼ cup sherry or balsamic vinegar: Adds a tangy-sweet contrast to the onions.
- 2 cups vegan stock: Forms the base of the sauce and ties the flavors together.
- 1 cup vegan gruyere shredded: For cheesy, authentic French onion flavor.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Optional garnish: Fresh thyme and additional vegan gruyere.
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet, melt vegan butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add thinly sliced onions and cook slowly until caramelized, about 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Thyme & Flour: Sprinkle in fresh thyme leaves and flour. Stir to coat the onions, cooking for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in sherry or balsamic vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Cook until reduced slightly.
- Make the Sauce: Gradually add vegan stock, whisking to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Cook the Pasta: In a separate pot, boil bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Combine & Finish: Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the onion sauce. Stir in vegan gruyere, adding reserved pasta water as needed for a creamy consistency.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme and an extra sprinkle of vegan gruyere.
