Perfect French Onion Pasta Recipe
I believe this is the finest version of this dish that I have ever created. It’s not only visually appealing but also packed with rich flavors.
Ingredients:
- 3 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup white wine
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 bay leaf
- 12 ounces pasta (fusilli or campanelle work well)
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Stir to coat the onions with the butter. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes or until they turn deep golden brown.
2. Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Deglaze with Wine
Pour in the white wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, until most of the wine evaporates.
4. Simmer the Broth
Add the beef broth, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Simmer gently for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Cook the Pasta
While the broth simmers, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6. Combine & Season
Remove the bay leaf from the broth. Stir in the cooked pasta, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve & Garnish
Divide the pasta into bowls and sprinkle with shredded Gruyère cheese. For a more indulgent touch, broil briefly to melt and brown the cheese. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving.
Tips & Variations:
- Cheese Swap: If Gruyère is unavailable, use a high-quality Swiss or Emmental cheese as a substitute.
- Wine-Free Option: Replace the white wine with an equal amount of extra beef broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap beef broth for vegetable broth and omit the beef broth for a plant-based option.
This French onion pasta offers the comforting richness of classic French onion soup but in a delightful, hearty pasta form. Enjoy!
