If you love rich, comforting pasta dishes that come together effortlessly, you are going to absolutely delight in this One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta Recipe. It’s a beautiful harmony of sweet, deeply caramelized onions, sun-dried tomatoes, and fragrant herbs all baked slowly to bring out incredible flavors. This dish feels like a warm hug on a plate, and the best part is you make it all in one pan, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal with friends and family. Whether you’re serving a simple weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this pasta casserole checks all the boxes for flavor, ease, and heartiness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an overhead view of various cooking ingredients neatly placed on a white marbled surface. In the top right, a white plate holds fresh green herbs with bright and dark green leaves. Below it, a white bowl is filled with yellow farfalle pasta. To the left of the bowl are five whole white onions stacked together and a bright yellow lemon placed nearby. Below the lemon is a small white bowl of cream or milk. In the bottom left corner lies a white garlic bulb. Next to the garlic, a small black-and-white bowl is full of sun-dried tomatoes, showing dark red wrinkled textures. To the right of the tomatoes, two tiny white dishes contain red paprika powder and chopped green herbs, both with fine grainy textures. A beige cloth is draped loosely in the upper left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that each bring something special to the dish. From the natural sweetness of caramelized onions to the tangy brightness of lemon juice, you’ll love how every component works together to create layers of irresistible flavor and texture.

5 small yellow onions, sliced, or 3 large: The star ingredient that caramelizes beautifully and delivers deep, savory sweetness.
1 head garlic, top sliced off: Roasts whole in the casserole, adding mellow garlic flavor when squeezed out.
½ cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped: Adds rich tanginess and a chewy, concentrated tomato bite.
1 tsp salt: Enhances all the onion and tomato flavors without overpowering.
1 tsp black pepper: Delivers a mild heat and earthiness to balance the sweetness.
1 tbsp paprika: Imparts a subtle smoky warmth and beautiful color.
1 tsp dried parsley: Brings a gentle herbaceous note that pairs well with the fresh herbs added later.
½ cup coconut milk: Adds creaminess and a luscious texture while keeping the dish dairy-free.
3 cups farfalle pasta, cooked: Your pasta of choice to soak up all those rich, caramelized flavors.
1 handful fresh parsley, chopped: Freshens the dish with bright herbal notes once baked.
1 handful fresh basil, chopped: Adds a sweet, peppery aroma and a pop of green.
1 lemon, juiced: Provides a zingy citrus lift that balances the richness perfectly.

How to Make One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Casserole

Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is perfect for slowly caramelizing the onions without burning them, creating that gorgeous golden color and complex flavor. Grab a casserole dish and get ready to layer all your ingredients together.

Step 2: Combine the Flavorful Ingredients

Into your casserole dish, add the sliced onions, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, salt, pepper, and dried parsley. Toss everything together to coat the onions evenly with the spices and herbs. Nestle the whole garlic head, with its top sliced off, right into the center — this will roast gently while the onions caramelize, infusing the dish with mellow garlic goodness.

Step 3: Drizzle and Roast

Drizzle your casserole generously with olive oil or the flavorful oil left over from your sun-dried tomatoes. This fat is key for helping those onions caramelize perfectly. Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap steam and roast in the oven for about one hour. Don’t forget to give it a careful toss halfway through to brown the onions evenly. You’ll know it’s ready when the onions are soft, browned, and meltingly sweet.

Step 4: Cook Pasta and Finish the Dish

While the onions roast, begin cooking your farfalle pasta about 20 minutes before the onions are done, following package instructions. Save up to a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. When the casserole comes out of the oven, remove the garlic head and squeeze out the softened cloves into the dish. Add the fresh parsley and basil, lemon juice, coconut milk, and the cooked pasta. Stir everything together, adding pasta water as needed to reach your desired creaminess and to help all the flavors meld harmoniously.

How to Serve One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta Recipe

A white plate holds a dish of bow-tie pasta covered in a rich, creamy orange sauce with visible herbs and caramelized onion slices mixed throughout. The pasta’s ridged texture contrasts with the smooth sauce, while small pieces of sun-dried tomato add darker red accents. On top of the pasta, three fresh green basil leaves bring vibrant color and freshness. A silver fork lifts a small cluster of pasta and onions on the left side, with a white marbled surface beneath the plate and bright green basil leaves in a blurred bowl at the bottom left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta Recipe, sprinkle extra chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top just before serving. A light drizzle of good olive oil or even a few shavings of a sharp cheese (if you’re not dairy-free) can add a lovely finishing touch. A pinch of chili flakes will amp up the heat if you like a bit of spice.

Side Dishes

This pasta casserole is rich and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette complements the creamy texture beautifully. Roasted seasonal vegetables or even warm crusty bread are fantastic accompaniments to mop up all those delicious juices.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party presentation, serve the pasta directly from the casserole dish so everyone can appreciate the caramelized onion goodness. Or portion it into shallow bowls and garnish each with fresh herbs and lemon zest for a bright, inviting look. Adding a small wedge of lemon on the side lets guests add extra citrus if they wish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen as the dish rests, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping. Just be sure to give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra coconut milk to loosen the sauce if needed. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals to ensure it heats evenly without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While farfalle is suggested because its shape holds sauce nicely, you can use penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti depending on what you have on hand. Just keep an eye on cooking times for best texture.

Is this recipe vegan and dairy-free?

Yes! Using coconut milk instead of cream makes this dish completely dairy-free and vegan-friendly. Just make sure your pasta doesn’t contain eggs to keep it vegan.

Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of baking?

While the slow roasting of onions in the oven creates the signature caramelized flavor, you can caramelize the onions on the stovetop in a large pan over low heat. It will take some time and attentive stirring but yields a delicious result.

How do I know when the onions are perfectly caramelized?

You’re looking for onions that have turned a deep golden-brown color and taste sweet and rich without any burnt or bitter spots. The texture should be soft and almost jam-like. Tossing halfway through roasting encourages even browning.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed mushrooms, or crispy tofu cubes make great additions for extra protein. Add them in with the fresh herbs and lemon juice before serving to keep the balance of flavors intact.

Final Thoughts

This One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta Recipe truly feels like a little culinary celebration in every bite. With its easy preparation, minimal cleanup, and incredible depth of flavor, it quickly becomes a go-to that you’ll want to make again and again. I can’t wait for you to taste how those sweet caramelized onions marry perfectly with the fresh herbs and bright lemon — it’s a winning combo that’s sure to become one of your favorites too.