Name: Vegan Caramelized Onion and Chili Oil Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 2 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoon vegan butter; 5 yellow onions, thinly and evenly sliced; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 bulb garlic, minced (about 8-10 cloves); 12 oz uncooked spaghetti noodles (340g) [+ reserve ½ cup pasta water]; ¼ cup sun dried tomatoes in oil (50g); 2 tablespoon chili crunch oil; 2 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 13.5 oz canned coconut milk (380g); ¼-½ cup vegan parmesan (25-50g); 1 teaspoon oregano; 1 teaspoon basil; ½ teaspoon parsley; ¼ teaspoon thyme; ¼ teaspoon rosemary; ¼ teaspoon marjoram; ¼ teaspoon sage; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste, start with ⅛ teaspoon each; Fresh parsley, chopped

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If you’re searching for a vibrant, comforting, and utterly addictive plant-based dinner, look no further than this Vegan Caramelized Onion and Chili Oil Pasta Recipe. It combines the rich, sweet depth of slowly caramelized onions with the fiery kick of chili oil, all enveloped in a creamy coconut milk sauce that hugs every strand of spaghetti. This dish is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make over and over because it strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and luxurious flavor, proving that vegan cooking can be truly indulgent.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of a stainless steel pot filled with thick, creamy sauce with small bits of herbs and caramelized onion pieces throughout. The sauce is light golden brown with a slightly shiny, smooth texture that shows small streaks and swirls from stirring. The pot has two handles on each side and sits on a wooden surface. The background shows part of the wooden surface around the pot. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These surprisingly straightforward ingredients come together to create a sauce bursting with complex, layered flavors. Each element from the silky onions to the fragrant herb blend plays a crucial role in making this pasta unforgettable, while the chili oil gives it a signature spicy warmth that elevates the whole dish.

Olive oil (2 tablespoons): A smooth base for gently cooking onions, adding richness and sheen.
Vegan butter (2 tablespoons): Brings a creamy, buttery depth that helps caramelize the onions beautifully.
Yellow onions (5, thinly sliced): The star of the dish, slowly sweetened through caramelization for maximum flavor.
Salt (½ teaspoon plus to taste): Enhances sweetness and balances the bold spices.
Garlic bulb (1, minced): Provides a fragrant, savory punch that complements the onions perfectly.
Uncooked spaghetti noodles (12 oz/340g): A classic pasta choice that captures the sauce wonderfully.
Sun dried tomatoes in oil (¼ cup/50g): Adds tangy, umami depth with a pleasantly chewy texture.
Chili crunch oil (2 tablespoons): Delivers a spicy, crunchy heat for bold flavor.
Italian-inspired herb blend: Oregano (1 tsp), basil (1 tsp), parsley (½ tsp), thyme (¼ tsp), rosemary (¼ tsp), marjoram (¼ tsp), sage (¼ tsp), and garlic powder (¼ tsp) – these herbs infuse the sauce with an aromatic, garden-fresh character.
Black pepper (start with ⅛ tsp): Adds a subtle heat and complements the chili oil.
Low sodium soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Brings a savory umami boost with less saltiness.
Balsamic vinegar (1 tablespoon): Provides a tangy sweetness that brightens the sauce.
Canned coconut milk (13.5 oz/380g): Creates a luscious creamy texture while keeping the dish vegan.
Vegan parmesan (¼–½ cup/25–50g): Adds a cheesy flavor and creamy finish to the pasta.
Fresh parsley (optional): A fresh, herbaceous garnish to finish with a pop of color and brightness.

How to Make Vegan Caramelized Onion and Chili Oil Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

This step is the heart of the dish and requires patience, but don’t worry—it’s totally worth it. Start by adding olive oil and vegan butter to a wide, high-walled skillet over medium-low heat. Once the vegan butter melts, add your thinly sliced yellow onions and sprinkle them with ½ teaspoon salt to draw out their natural sweetness. Stir to coat all the onions well and cook them gently for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring every 4 to 5 minutes so they brown evenly without burning. If they seem like they’re drying out or sticking, just turn down the heat or add a splash of vegetable stock.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Once your onions are nearly ready, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Don’t forget to reserve ½ cup of that starchy pasta water before draining; it will be your secret weapon to loosen up and emulsify the sauce when mixing everything together.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

After the onions have caramelized to a perfect golden brown, stir in the minced garlic, sun dried tomatoes, and chili crunch oil. Then sprinkle in all the herbs—oregano, basil, parsley, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, sage, and garlic powder—followed by salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir to marry those wonderful spices and the sweet onions. Next, add in the soy sauce and balsamic vinegar, and scrape the bottom of your pan carefully with a wooden spoon to lift up all those flavorful browned bits.

Step 4: Add Coconut Milk and Combine

Pour in the rich canned coconut milk and let the sauce simmer for 3 to 4 minutes so everything melds beautifully. Then add the cooked pasta and sprinkle the vegan parmesan over the top. With the reserved pasta water on hand, stir gently to coat the noodles evenly—if the sauce feels too thick, add a few tablespoons until it reaches that creamy, luscious consistency you want. Give it a final mix to infuse the flavors thoroughly.

How to Serve Vegan Caramelized Onion and Chili Oil Pasta Recipe

A large silver pot filled with long, thin spaghetti noodles coated in a creamy, light brown sauce with small bits of meat mixed throughout, the noodles are softly tangled and glossy with the sauce covering them evenly, the pot is placed on a wooden surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Keep it fresh and vibrant by topping your pasta with extra vegan parmesan for that glorious cheesy finish, a drizzle more of chili crunch oil to elevate the spice, and a handful of freshly chopped parsley for color and bright herbal notes. These simple touches take the dish up a notch in both flavor and presentation.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with light sides that won’t compete with its bold flavors. Think a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette, garlic-roasted vegetables, or even a rustic focaccia bread for dipping. These sides complement the creamy richness while providing a textural contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests or just have fun with plating? Twirl a generous portion of pasta into elegant nests using tongs before placing on warm plates. You can also serve this pasta in wide shallow bowls with extra herbs sprinkled on top and a small bowl of chili oil on the side for those who love to nibble on extra heat. The vibrant colors and rustic feel make it look irresistible.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This pasta keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Flavors will deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious. Just be sure to store the pasta and sauce together to maintain that creamy consistency.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, although coconut milk sauces sometimes change texture slightly after thawing. Freeze in a freezer-safe airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of reserved pasta water or plant milk to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and to restore that creamy texture without drying out the noodles.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this Vegan Caramelized Onion and Chili Oil Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully here, feel free to swap in linguine, fettuccine, or even penne. Just adjust cooking time as needed so your pasta stays perfectly al dente.

Is chili crunch oil very spicy?

Chili crunch oil has a pleasant, medium heat with crunchy chili flakes that add texture and spice. You can adjust the amount or substitute a milder chili oil if you prefer less heat.

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally nut-free since the vegan parmesan and richness come from coconut milk and herbs. Just ensure your store-bought vegan parmesan does not contain nuts if allergies are a concern.

What can I substitute for vegan butter?

If you don’t have vegan butter, use more olive oil or a neutral plant-based oil like avocado oil. The butter adds a touch of creaminess and depth but you can still get great results without it.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Simply swap the spaghetti for a gluten-free pasta alternative and double check that your soy sauce is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy recipe to adapt.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Caramelized Onion and Chili Oil Pasta Recipe is a shining example of how plant-based cooking can be rich, complex, and downright delicious. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that invites you to slow down, savor, and enjoy every bite. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to comfort meals, perfect for busy weeknights or sharing with friends. So grab your skillet, fire up the stove, and get ready to fall in love with vegan pasta all over again!