One Pot French Onion Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This One Pot French Onion Pasta transforms the beloved flavors of French Onion Soup into a creamy, comforting pasta dish—all without the need for heavy cream. The secret lies in deeply caramelized yellow onions, which impart a rich sweetness, complemented by the savory depth of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and beef bouillon. The addition of Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses creates a luscious, cheesy sauce that envelops the pasta, making each bite a delightful experience. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 pound orecchiette pasta

• 4 large yellow onions, sliced into ⅛-inch rings

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon beef bouillon granules

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 4 cups water

• 1 cup evaporated milk

• 1 cup freshly grated Gruyère cheese

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Caramelize the Onions: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply browned and caramelized, about 35 minutes. Be patient; this step is crucial for developing the dish’s rich flavor.

2. Add Garlic and Seasonings: Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, beef bouillon, thyme, oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add Liquids: Pour in the water and evaporated milk, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil.

4. Cook the Pasta: Add the orecchiette pasta to the boiling liquid. Reduce the heat to medium-high and simmer, uncovered, for 11-14 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened slightly.

5. Incorporate the Cheeses: Remove the pot from heat. Gradually stir in the Gruyère cheese, a handful at a time, until melted and smooth. Then, add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully incorporated.

6. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 1 hour

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the beef bouillon with vegetable broth and ensure the Worcestershire sauce is vegetarian-friendly.

• Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.

• Additional Proteins: Stir in cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken for a heartier meal.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce. For larger portions, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding liquid as needed to achieve desired consistency.

FAQs

1. How do I caramelize onions without burning them?

Caramelizing onions requires patience. Cook them over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If they start to stick or burn, reduce the heat and add a splash of water to deglaze the pan.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

While orecchiette is ideal due to its shape and texture, you can substitute with other short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rotini.

3. Is there a substitute for evaporated milk?

Yes, you can use heavy cream or half-and-half for a richer sauce, or regular milk for a lighter version.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the point of adding the cheeses. Store the pasta and sauce separately, and combine with the cheeses when ready to serve.

5. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Freezing is not recommended due to the dairy content, which may cause the sauce to separate upon reheating.

6. How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.

7. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted broccoli for added flavor and nutrition.

8. Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?

To make it vegetarian, substitute the beef bouillon with vegetable broth and ensure the Worcestershire sauce is vegetarian-friendly.

9. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Freshly grated cheese melts better and has a smoother texture, but pre-shredded cheese can be used in a pinch.

10. How do I know when the pasta is al dente?

Taste a piece of pasta a minute or two before the suggested cooking time ends. It should be firm to the bite but not hard in the center.

Conclusion

One Pot French Onion Pasta is a delightful fusion of the classic French Onion Soup flavors and the comfort of pasta. Its rich, creamy sauce, infused with the sweetness of caramelized onions and the depth of savory seasonings, makes for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress with its flavor and simplicity.

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