Description
Creamy One Pot French Onion Pasta blends classic French flavors with comforting pasta in a single skillet. Rich caramelized onions and melted gruyère cheese create a luxurious sauce that welcomes you to savor each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb short cut pasta (orecchiette)
- 3 large yellow onions, sliced into rings 1/8-inch thick
- 5 oz (142 g) freshly shredded Gruyere cheese
- ¼ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups water
- 1 12-oz can evaporated milk
- 3 tbsps olive oil
- 2 tbsps unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsps beef bouillon
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp reduced sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, minced (or 1 tsp dried)
- 2 tsps fresh thyme, minced (or ¾ tsp dried)
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tbsp cornstarch
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 1 pinch to ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: Gently transform sliced onions in a large pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until achieving a deep golden hue and developing a luxurious, sweet essence, approximately 20-25 minutes.
- Aromatic Infusion: Introduce minced garlic, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce to the caramelized onions. Quickly sauté the mixture to unleash their vibrant flavors.
- Liquid Foundation: Combine water and half of the evaporated milk in the pot. Whisk cornstarch with remaining evaporated milk in a separate bowl until perfectly smooth.
- Flavor Amplification: Elevate heat to high, incorporating cornstarch mixture, beef bouillon, and remaining herbs and seasonings. Stir continuously to prevent scorching and ensure harmonious flavor distribution.
- Pasta Immersion: Once liquid reaches a vigorous boil, add pasta and reduce heat to medium-high. Simmer uncovered, stirring frequently to prevent adherence and guarantee uniform cooking, about 11-14 minutes.
- Cheese Transformation: Remove pot from heat, gradually fold in Gruyere cheese until completely melted, then integrate Parmesan cheese, creating a creamy, luxurious texture.
- Final Touches: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, enhance liquidity by stirring in additional water or milk. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.
Notes
- Slice Onions Strategically: Thinly slice onions to ensure even caramelization and maximum flavor development, which takes patience and consistent medium-low heat.
- Prevent Pasta Sticking: Stir frequently during cooking to avoid pasta clumping and ensure uniform texture throughout the dish.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Add cheese gradually off the heat, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce without breaking or becoming grainy.
- Liquid Balance Matters: Adjust final liquid consistency by adding water or milk to achieve desired sauciness, remembering pasta will continue absorbing moisture after cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg