Caramelised Onion & Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
- Margaret Pahos
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
This Caramelised Onion & Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish - creamy, rich, and full of deep flavour, yet so simple to make. Slow-roasted onions, soft garlic, mascarpone and sun-dried tomatoes come together in one dish for a pasta that’s cosy, impressive, and perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed entertaining. It’s the kind of recipe you make once and immediately add to your weekly rotation.
This Caramelised Onion & Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner when you want something fuss-free but still impressive enough for guests. Everything roasts together in the oven, filling your home with the most irresistible aroma, and then gets tossed with pasta for a dish that’s comforting, creamy, and beautifully balanced with herbs and lemon.
Whether you're craving an easy family meal, a vegetarian pasta bake, or a viral-worthy recipe that looks as good as it tastes, this recipe delivers every time. Save it, share it, and get ready to fall in love with your new go-to pasta.
Story Behind the Recipe
This pasta started as one of our simple meat-free Friday dinners — something comforting, easy, and full of flavour. We already loved using sun-dried tomatoes in our “Marry Me” pasta, so they naturally found their way into this dish too. Paired with sweet caramelised onions and roasted garlic, the flavours came together so beautifully that it instantly became a family favourite. It’s the kind of recipe we now make when we want something cosy, delicious, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table.
Watch How to Make It
FAQ
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the mascarpone for a thick dairy-free cream (like coconut cooking cream). Use a vegan parmesan-style cheese.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Definitely. You can roast the onions and garlic a day before and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to cook, simply warm them before adding the mascarpone and pasta.
How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. The flavours get even better the next day.
How do I reheat it?
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water, pasta water, or cream to loosen the sauce and make it silky again.
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes! Any short pasta works: penne, rigatoni, fusilli, farfalle, gluten-free pasta, or even shells. Just choose a shape that holds the creamy sauce well.
Other Pasta Recipes
Caramelised Onion & Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
INGREDIENTS
For the onions:
4 large onions, cut in half and thinly sliced
2 bulbs of garlic (top sliced off to expose cloves)
⅓ cup olive oil
1½ teaspoons sea salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 ½ teaspoons dried Greek oregano
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
For the Pasta:
200 g mascarpone (or coconut cream for dairy free alternative)
250ml vegetable stock, heated till hot
2 tablespoons lemon juice
30 g (⅓ cup) freshly grated parmesan, plus extra to serve
200g (1 cup) semi-sun-dried tomatoes, sliced in strips
1-2 teaspoons chilli flakes (extra is optional)
400–500 g short pasta, gluten-free (rigatoni or penne)
1 small bunch of fresh basil leaves
Garnish:
Parmesan cheese
Freshly cracked pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Roast the onions and garlic
Preheat oven to 180°C. In a large oven-safe baking dish, spread the sliced onions and nestle the garlic bulb (cut side up) in the centre. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika, then drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40–45 minutes, until the onions are soft, golden, and sweetly caramelised.
2. Cook the pasta
While the onions are baking, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente.Reserve a little pasta water, then drain.
3. Combine and make it creamy
Remove the foil from the baking dish and squeeze the roasted garlic cloves straight into the caramelised onions. Mash lightly to combine.Add the mascarpone, vegetable stock, and lemon juice, stirring until smooth and creamy.Fold in the parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, chilli flakes (if using), and cooked pasta.Stir again until everything is well combined, then finish by adding the fresh basil.
4. Serve
Top with extra parmesan and a crack of black pepper.Optional: add chilli flakes or another squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Have you tried this recipe?
Please leave me a rating or share it with me at @CreateCookShare
Margaret Pahos @CreateCookShare
