One Pot French Onion Pasta: A Creamy, Comforting Delight
Craving the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup but want something more substantial? Look no further than this One Pot French Onion Pasta.
This dish combines the depth of French onion soup with the comfort of creamy pasta, making it perfect for a cozy night in or a dinner party with friends.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
- Effortless Preparation: With minimal cleanup and straightforward ingredients, this recipe is a breeze to make.
- Flavorful: The combination of sweet caramelized onions and a rich broth creates an unforgettable taste.
- Comfort Food: Ideal for any season, this creamy and cheesy pasta is pure comfort in a bowl.
- Versatile: Easily customize the ingredients to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced: The star ingredient, providing a rich, caramelized flavor.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Essential for caramelizing the onions.
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth: Creates a deep, savory base.
- 12 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine or linguine): Absorbs the flavorful broth.
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese: Adds a creamy, nutty richness.
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they are deeply caramelized, about 20–25 minutes.
- Deglaze the Pot
- Pour a small amount of broth into the pot to deglaze it, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Add the Broth and Pasta
- Stir in the remaining broth and bring to a boil. Add the pasta, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 10–12 minutes.
- Incorporate the Cheese
- Stir in the shredded Gruyère cheese until it is melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme for added freshness.
Variations
- Add Protein: Enhance the dish with shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked sausage, or sautéed mushrooms.
- Switch the Cheese: Experiment with Parmesan or mozzarella for a different flavor.
- Go Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth is gluten-free.
Tips for Success
- Patience with Onions: Caramelizing onions takes time; don’t rush this step for the best flavor.
- Quality Cheese: Gruyère cheese melts beautifully and adds authentic flavor.
- Monitor Liquid Levels: Add extra broth if the pasta absorbs too much liquid before it’s fully cooked.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta with a fresh green salad and crusty bread to soak up any remaining sauce. Pair it with a glass of dry white wine for a perfect meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Caramelize the onions up to 3 days ahead and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to restore the creamy sauce.
This One Pot French Onion Pasta is a delightful fusion of classic flavors, making it a comforting and satisfying meal for any occasion. Enjoy!
FAQs
One Pot French Onion Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 5 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 12 ounces uncooked rigatoni or other short pasta
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Caramelize the OnionsIn a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until deeply caramelized (about 20–25 minutes).
- Deglaze the PotPour in a splash of broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom.
- Add the Broth and PastaStir in the remaining broth and bring to a boil. Add pasta, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed (about 10–12 minutes).
- Incorporate the CheeseStir in shredded Gruyère until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Garnish and ServeServe hot, topped with fresh parsley or thyme for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and skip the wine.
- You can substitute Gruyère with mozzarella or Parmesan if preferred.
- Pair with crusty bread for a complete meal!