Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of French onion soup with a twist in our One-Pot French Onion Pasta recipe! This hearty and satisfying dish brings together the classic elements of caramelized onions, beef broth, and cheese, all combined with pasta for a comforting meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, you can enjoy the taste of French onion soup in pasta form. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to make this deliciously comforting dish!
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 8 oz orecchiette pasta
- 1 1/2 cups Swiss or Gruyere cheese, grated
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the thinly sliced onion to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
- Stir in the balsamic vinegar and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Pour in the beef broth, heavy cream, and dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the orecchiette pasta to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet.
- Simmer the pasta for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stirring occasionally.
- Once the pasta is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Swiss or Gruyere cheese until melted and creamy.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the One-Pot French Onion Pasta hot, garnished with additional cheese and thyme if desired.
- Enjoy the comforting flavors of French onion soup in pasta form!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Caramelization: Take your time to properly caramelize the onions to bring out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Cheese Variation: While Swiss or Gruyere cheese is traditional for French onion soup, you can experiment with other cheeses such as mozzarella, provolone, or Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Additions: Enhance the dish with additional ingredients such as cooked bacon, mushrooms, or fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth? A: Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth for beef broth if you prefer a vegetarian version of the dish. Keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta? A: Absolutely! While orecchiette pasta works well in this recipe, you can use any type of pasta you have on hand, such as penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti.
Q: Is it necessary to use heavy cream? A: Heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the dish, but you can substitute it with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. Keep in mind that the consistency and flavor may differ slightly.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the caramelized onions in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use. Simply reheat the onions and continue with the recipe as directed.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers of this pasta? A: Due to the dairy content, this dish may not freeze well. It’s best to enjoy it fresh or refrigerate any leftovers and consume them within a few days.
Keto Versions and Low Carb Versions:
- Keto Version: To make a keto-friendly version of One-Pot French Onion Pasta, omit the pasta and substitute heavy cream with a keto-friendly alternative such as coconut cream. Increase the amount of cheese for added richness and flavor.
- Low Carb Version: For a low-carb version, use a low-carb pasta alternative such as zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles. You can also reduce the amount of onion and use a lower-carb cheese option such as cheddar or mozzarella.
One-Pot French Onion Pasta is a deliciously comforting dish that brings the flavors of French onion soup to the dinner table in pasta form. With its caramelized onions, savory broth, and creamy cheese sauce, it’s sure to warm your soul and satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re craving a cozy meal for a chilly evening or looking for a simple yet flavorful dish to enjoy with loved ones, this recipe is a winner. So grab your skillet and ingredients, and get ready to savor the comforting flavors of French onion soup in a delightful pasta dish!