Description
Comfort meets sophistication in this One Pot French Onion Pasta, blending rich caramelized onions with creamy cheese and perfectly al dente noodles. Hearty Mediterranean flavors meld together, promising a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor with each satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 large onions, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti)
- 3 cups (710 milliliters) beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) water
Cheese and Dairy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup (100 grams) shredded Gruyere cheese (or mozzarella)
- ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Transform sliced onions into a rich, caramel-hued masterpiece by gently sautéing them in a harmonious blend of butter and olive oil over medium heat. Enhance the natural sweetness with a whisper of sugar, and season with salt and pepper to develop deep, complex flavors.
- As the onions slowly golden and soften, introduce minced garlic and fragrant thyme, allowing their aromatic essence to permeate the foundation of the dish for an additional moment.
- Cascade uncooked pasta into the caramelized onion landscape, followed by a generous pour of robust beef broth and water. Elevate the temperature to a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Maintain a watchful eye as the pasta absorbs the flavorful liquid, stirring periodically to ensure even cooking and prevent any unwelcome sticking. Allow the pasta to tenderly surrender to the liquid’s embrace.
- Once the pasta reaches perfect al dente consistency, weave in luxurious Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses, creating a silky, indulgent sauce that envelops each pasta strand.
- Finish the culinary composition with a delicate shower of freshly chopped parsley, adding a bright, herbaceous note to the rich, comforting dish. Serve immediately while the pasta radiates warmth and golden allure.
Notes
- Slow-cooking onions transforms their harsh bite into a sweet, rich flavor that becomes the soul of this dish.
- Opt for a wide, heavy-bottomed pot to ensure even caramelization and prevent burning during the lengthy onion cooking process.
- Cut onions uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent some pieces from burning while others remain undercooked.
- Experiment with cheese varieties like smoked Gouda or sharp cheddar for unique flavor profiles that complement the caramelized onions.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth without compromising the deep, savory essence of the pasta.
- Keep stirring occasionally during pasta cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even liquid absorption.
- Add a splash of white wine during onion caramelization for an extra layer of complexity and depth of flavor.
- For a gluten-free adaptation, use alternative pasta made from chickpeas, rice, or quinoa that holds up well in one-pot cooking methods.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg