If you love comforting meals that bring layers of deep, savory flavor together with the simplicity of a one-pan prep, then this One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta Recipe is going to be your new favorite. Imagine sweet, slow-cooked onions mingling with aromatic garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, all tied together in a luscious, creamy sauce with bright hints of fresh herbs and lemon. It’s effortless, irresistibly tasty, and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or casual gathering where you want to impress without the stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white oval dish holds a roasted mix of thinly sliced onions that are caramelized to a golden orange and brown color, scattered unevenly throughout the dish. There are chunks of dark browned sun-dried tomatoes mixed in with the onions, adding deep red spots across the surface. In one corner of the dish, there is a whole roasted garlic bulb with golden browned cloves visible, contrasting with the orange onions. The dish shows some browned and slightly burnt edges, hinting at a crispy texture. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth casually draped nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this dish lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building that rich depth of flavor and creamy texture that makes this One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta Recipe shine. From the sweetness of yellow onions to the tangy brightness of fresh lemon, every bite is a celebration.

Yellow onions: Caramelizing them slowly unlocks their natural sweetness and forms the base of the dish’s flavor.
Garlic head: Roasting it whole softens the cloves into a silky spread, adding subtle, aromatic richness.
Sun-dried tomatoes: They contribute a concentrated, slightly tangy burst that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning, they bring out the flavors and add a gentle kick.
Paprika: Adds a smoky warmth that deepens the overall taste and complements the onions beautifully.
Dried parsley: Brings subtle earthiness and a hint of color in the caramelizing process.
Coconut milk: A creamy alternative that gives the pasta a luscious texture and a subtle hint of sweetness.
Farfalle pasta: Its shape holds the delicious sauce well, making every forkful a delight.
Fresh parsley and basil: Added at the end for freshness, brightness, and herbal complexity.
Lemon juice: Injects a zesty lift that cuts through the rich creaminess for balance.

How to Make One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Caramelized Onions and Garlic

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. In a large casserole dish, combine sliced yellow onions, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, salt, black pepper, and dried parsley. Toss everything together to ensure the spices and flavors coat the onions well. Nestle the whole head of garlic, top sliced off, right in the middle of the mixture. Drizzle with olive oil or the flavorful oil from your sun-dried tomatoes. Cover the dish tightly with foil and slip it into the oven for one hour. The key is to toss the onions halfway through baking to encourage even caramelization. By the time you pull the dish out, those onions will be beautifully golden, sweet, and tender.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

About twenty minutes before your onions are done, cook the farfalle pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to reserve up to a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. This salty, silky water is your secret weapon for adjusting the sauce’s consistency later.

Step 3: Combine and Finish the Dish

Once the casserole comes out of the oven, carefully remove the garlic head and, when cool enough to handle, squeeze the softened cloves out of their skins. Add these roasted garlic cloves into the casserole dish along with the fresh parsley, basil, lemon juice, and coconut milk. Toss in the cooked pasta and add reserved pasta water as needed to create a perfectly creamy yet light sauce. Stir everything gently but thoroughly, allowing the fresh herbs and zesty lemon to brighten the rich, caramelized onion base. And voila, your One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta Recipe is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta Recipe

A large white oval dish filled with farfalle pasta covered in a creamy orange sauce. The sauce has bits of green herbs and dark sun-dried tomatoes mixed evenly throughout the pasta. The farfalle noodles show their bow-tie shape with textured edges and the dish has some browned caramelized onions scattered on top. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth slightly visible on the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra fresh herbs like parsley or basil takes this dish to the next level. For those who love a bit of texture, toasted pine nuts or a grating of Parmesan cheese offer a lovely contrast and a savory kick that’s simply irresistible.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with something light and crisp to balance the richness—think a simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. Garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser, soaking up every last drop of the luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, consider serving this in individual rustic ramekins straight from the oven for a cozy, personal touch. Or, plate it family-style alongside a loaf of crusty bread and a bottle of your favorite white wine, encouraging everyone to dig in and share the warmth and flavor of this comforting dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen even more as it rests, making leftovers a delicious second act.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Keep in mind that delicate fresh herbs and lemon juice are best added fresh upon reheating, so consider keeping some separately for garnishing.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir frequently to warm everything evenly and preserve the creamy texture you love.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While farfalle works wonderfully due to its shape holding onto the sauce, you can swap in penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli. Just adjust cooking times according to the pasta you choose.

Is coconut milk necessary, or can I use regular cream?

You can substitute regular cream or even a plant-based cream alternative if you prefer. Coconut milk adds a subtle sweetness and dairy-free option, but the dish remains creamy with other choices.

Can this recipe be made vegan?

Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan as long as you use plant-based pasta and ensure your sun-dried tomatoes and spices do not contain animal products. Coconut milk keeps it creamy without any dairy.

How long does it take to caramelize the onions in the oven?

About an hour at 400°F covered with foil, tossing halfway through, will yield perfectly caramelized onions that are tender and golden. This slow baking brings out their natural sugars beautifully.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the onion mixture and caramelize it a day ahead and store in the fridge. When ready to serve, cook the pasta and combine everything fresh to maintain the bright flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta Recipe has quickly become a trusted favorite thanks to its remarkable flavor and effortless prep. Once you taste that luscious blend of sweet onions, roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs, you’ll be hooked. Friends and family will marvel at how homemade it tastes with minimal fuss. So, grab your ingredients and give it a try—you might just find yourself making this comforting dish again and again!