Description
Culinary magic unfolds with one pot french onion pasta, blending rustic French flavors into a comforting meal. Caramelized onions and rich broth create a symphony of taste you’ll savor until the last delightful 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 (28 grams) butter
- 1 cup (100 grams) shredded Gruyere cheese (or mozzarella)
- ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
- 2 tablespoons (8 grams) chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Transform sliced onions into a rich, golden delicacy by gently sautéing them in a blend of butter and olive oil over medium warmth. Incorporate sugar, salt, and pepper to enhance caramelization, stirring periodically until the onions develop a deep, amber complexion, approximately 20-25 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic and fragrant thyme to the caramelized onions, allowing their aromatic essence to bloom for 1-2 minutes, intensifying the flavor profile.
- Distribute uncooked pasta across the caramelized foundation, then pour beef broth and water into the pot. Elevate the heat to create a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Maintain a steady simmer, occasionally stirring to prevent pasta from sticking, and allow the liquid to gradually absorb while the pasta becomes tender and luxuriously creamy, typically requiring 10-12 minutes.
- Once pasta reaches optimal texture, integrate Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses, stirring continuously until they melt into a silky, indulgent sauce that envelops each pasta strand.
- Conclude by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley across the surface, creating a vibrant garnish that adds a touch of brightness to the rich, comforting dish. Serve immediately while the pasta remains warm and inviting.
Notes
- Caramelize onions slowly over medium-low heat to develop deep, sweet flavor without burning, which can make them bitter.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot like a Dutch oven to ensure even heat distribution and prevent scorching during the long caramelization process.
- Add a splash of white wine or balsamic vinegar during onion cooking to enhance the depth and complexity of the caramelized flavor profile.
- For a lighter version, substitute half the beef broth with chicken broth or vegetable stock to reduce richness while maintaining robust taste.
- Create a gluten-free option by using gluten-free pasta and checking that your broth is gluten-free certified.
- Optimize cheese melting by removing the pot from heat when stirring in Gruyere and Parmesan to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
- Enhance herb complexity by adding fresh thyme leaves as a final garnish alongside parsley for an extra aromatic touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg