Description
A creamy and flavorful one-pot French Onion Pasta that combines slowly caramelized onions, savory beef broth, and melted Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses for a rich, comforting meal. This recipe is easy to prepare on the stovetop, requiring minimal cleanup while delivering maximum taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Flavorings
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Liquid Ingredients
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Main Ingredient
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (fettuccine or penne)
Cheeses
- 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions along with salt and pepper. Cook slowly for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions turn deeply caramelized and golden brown, developing a rich, sweet flavor.
- Add Garlic and Thyme: Stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves (or dried thyme) and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to release their aromatic flavors into the dish.
- Deglaze with Balsamic Vinegar: Pour in the balsamic vinegar and allow it to simmer for about 30 seconds, scraping up any browned bits from the pan to enhance depth of flavor.
- Add Broth and Pasta: Pour the beef broth into the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the uncooked pasta directly into the pot, stirring well to prevent sticking.
- Simmer Pasta Until Tender: Let the pasta cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 12 minutes or until it is tender and most of the broth has been absorbed, creating a creamy sauce from the flavorful liquid.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and gently stir in the heavy cream, Gruyère cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheeses have fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh thyme or parsley and extra cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth.
- Mozzarella can be used in place of Gruyère if preferred for a different but still creamy cheese flavor.
- Properly caramelizing the onions is essential to develop the rich, classic French onion taste that defines this dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
