Irresistible Caramelized Onion and Sundried Tomato Spaghetti Recipe

Caramelized onion and sundried tomato spaghetti crafts a simple pasta dish into a culinary adventure that tantalizes taste buds.

Rich, sweet onions slowly melt into golden strands, creating depth and complexity on your plate.

sundried tomatoes contribute an intense, concentrated burst of Mediterranean flavor that elevates this seemingly humble meal.

The combination balances earthy sweetness with bright, slightly acidic undertones that dance across your palate.

Minimal ingredients work together to create a surprisingly sophisticated dining experience that feels both comforting and elegant.

Home cooks can easily master this technique with patience and a few smart cooking strategies.

The magic happens when slow-cooked ingredients blend seamlessly, turning ordinary spaghetti into an extraordinary feast.

Why Caramelized Onion and Sundried Tomato Spaghetti Stands Out

• Craft Gourmet Comfort: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish with deep, complex flavors that elevate everyday spaghetti into a luxurious meal.
• Master Efficient Cooking Technique: By caramelizing onions and garlic slowly, you'll develop rich, sweet undertones that create a sophisticated sauce without complicated steps.
• Enjoy Nutritious Flavor Explosion: Packed with umami from nutritional yeast, sundried tomatoes, and caramelized vegetables, this pasta delivers incredible taste while offering plant-based nutrition that satisfies and energizes.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: From start to finish, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious, wholesome meals without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Flavorful Onion and Tomato Spaghetti

• Spaghetti, Linguine: Classic pasta that provides a perfect base for the sauce, gluten-free options work well for dietary needs.

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• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: High-quality oil for building flavor and sautéing ingredients, choose a fruity and robust variety.
• Yellow Onions: Sweet base for creating deep caramelized flavor, look for firm and smooth-skinned onions.
• Garlic Cloves: Aromatic ingredient that adds intense depth to the dish, fresh cloves provide the best flavor.

• Kosher Salt, Sea Salt: Essential for bringing out natural flavors, adjust to personal taste preference.
• Black Pepper: Freshly cracked adds robust, sharp notes to the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides gentle heat and complexity, can adjust amount for spice level.
• Dried Oregano: Classic herb that complements tomato-based dishes, adds Mediterranean character.
• Nutritional Yeast: Provides cheesy, umami flavor without dairy, great for plant-based meals.

• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that creates rich, deep sauce base.
• Tamari, Soy Sauce: Adds depth and savory undertones, provides additional umami.
• Sundried Tomatoes: Intense, sweet-tangy flavor that concentrates tomato essence, packed in oil for extra richness.

• Pine Nuts: Toasted nuts for added crunch and nutty flavor.
• Flat-Leaf Italian Parsley: Fresh herb that brings brightness and color to the final dish.

How to Cook Caramelized Onion and Sundried Tomato Spaghetti

Step 1: Boil Water and Cook Pasta

Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Gently slide spaghetti into the bubbling water. Cook until the pasta has a slight bite, following package timing. Before draining, scoop out a cup of starchy pasta water and set aside.

Step 2: Transform Onions into Golden Delights

• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir and dance the onions around the pan. Patiently wait as they turn golden and caramel-like, about 15 minutes. Splash water occasionally to prevent sticking and enhance browning.

Step 3: Introduce Garlic’s Magic

Lower the heat to medium. Slide delicate garlic slices into the onion party. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until garlic softens and develops a rich, amber color, around 10 minutes.

Step 4: Awaken Spice Flavors

• Red pepper flakes
• Dried oregano

Stir quickly to release their aromatic essence, about 30 seconds.

Step 5: Build Depth with Tomato Paste

Add tomato paste to the skillet. Allow it to deepen in color and develop a rich, concentrated flavor, stirring for 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Create Flavor Symphony

• Tamari
• Nutritional yeast
• Chopped sundried tomatoes

Reduce heat to low, letting ingredients mingle and harmonize.

Step 7: Unite Pasta and Sauce

Pour reserved pasta water into the skillet, creating a silky sauce. Transfer cooked spaghetti into the mixture. Toss and coat every strand thoroughly. Add more pasta water if needed to achieve desired sauce consistency.

Step 8: Final Flourish

• Toasted pine nuts
• Chopped flat-leaf Italian parsley

Serve immediately while steaming hot. Savor each twirl of flavor-packed spaghetti!

Tips to Balance Sweet Onions and Tangy Tomatoes

• Master Caramelization Technique: Low and slow is the secret to perfectly golden, sweet onions without burning them.
• Deglaze like a Pro: Use water or white wine to prevent sticking and build rich flavor layers during onion cooking.
• Maximize Umami Depth: Toast nutritional yeast briefly before adding to enhance its nutty, cheesy flavor profile.
• Customize Pasta Texture: Reserve pasta water strategically to control sauce thickness and help ingredients cling better.
• Balance Herb Intensity: Crush dried oregano between your fingers before adding to release more aromatic oils and concentrated flavor.

Storing Your Onion and Tomato Spaghetti the Right Way

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat on Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or vegetable broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking.
• Microwave Option: Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and maintain the pasta's texture.

Pairings for Caramelized Onion Spaghetti

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Complement the rich, caramelized flavors of the spaghetti with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which enhances the sundried tomato's tangy sweetness and cuts through the dish's savory depth.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a bright, peppery side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's intense caramelized onion and tomato notes, providing a crisp counterpoint to the warm, hearty main dish.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Add a crunchy, garlicky accompaniment that echoes the dish's caramelized garlic elements, allowing diners to soak up the delicious sauce and providing a textural contrast to the soft spaghetti.
• Complement with Citrus-Infused Sparkling Water: Offer a light, refreshing drink that cleanses the palate between bites, with a hint of lemon or orange to cut through the dish's rich, umami-packed flavor profile.

Flavor Upgrades for This Tomato-Packed Pasta

• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace sundried tomatoes with roasted red peppers and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version of the pasta dish.
• Spicy Herb Explosion: Incorporate fresh basil, thyme, and double the red pepper flakes for an intense, herb-packed flavor profile that kicks up the heat.
• Protein Power Boost: Add sautéed plant-based chicken alternative or crumbled tempeh to transform the recipe into a more substantial, protein-rich meal that satisfies hunger.
• Creamy Vegan Remix: Blend cashews with nutritional yeast and pasta water to create a silky, rich sauce that coats the spaghetti with a luxurious, creamy texture.

Caramelized Onion and Sundried Tomato Spaghetti Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Caramelized onion and sundried tomato spaghetti delivers rich Mediterranean flavors with elegant simplicity. Silky pasta intertwines with sweet caramelized onions and tangy sundried tomatoes, creating a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 10 ounces (285g) spaghetti or linguine (can use gluten-free)
• 2 medium yellow onions, very thinly sliced
• 1 5.3-ounce (150g) tube of tomato paste
• 4–5 large oil-packed sundried tomatoes, finely chopped

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Kosher salt or sea salt to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Flavor Enhancers:

• Water to deglaze the pan
• 2 tablespoons tamari (or soy sauce)
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast

Optional Garnishes:

• Toasted pine nuts
• Chopped flat-leaf Italian parsley

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Instructions

1. Fill a spacious pot with water, generously season with salt, and bring to a rolling boil.
2. Submerge spaghetti and cook until perfectly tender, following package guidance.
3. Before draining, carefully extract one cup of starchy cooking liquid and set aside.
4. Warm olive oil in a wide skillet over robust heat.
5. Introduce thinly sliced onions, seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Gently coax onions to a rich golden hue, occasionally deglazing with water, approximately 15 minutes.
7. Lower flame to medium intensity and introduce delicate garlic slivers.
8. Continue cooking until garlic transforms into a caramelized golden state, roughly 10 minutes.
9. Sprinkle red pepper flakes and dried oregano, allowing aromatics to awaken for half a minute.
10. Incorporate tomato paste, stirring until it deepens in color and develops a concentrated flavor.
11. Blend tamari, nutritional yeast, and finely chopped sundried tomatoes into the skillet mixture.
12. Reduce heat, creating a gentle simmer.
13. Pour reserved pasta water into the skillet, forming a silky sauce.
14. Transfer cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet.
15. Vigorously toss pasta, ensuring every strand is luxuriously coated with the sauce.
16. Adjust sauce consistency by adding more reserved liquid if needed.
17. Embellish with toasted pine nuts and freshly chopped Italian parsley.
18. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Craft this pasta dish when craving a deeply satisfying, flavor-packed meal with minimal ingredients.
• Sundried tomatoes provide an intense umami punch that elevates the entire dining experience.
• Deglazing with water helps build rich caramelization while preventing burning, creating complex flavor layers without extra fat.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 0mg