Description
This One Pot French Onion Pasta recipe combines the rich, caramelized flavors of traditional French onion soup with the convenience of a pasta dish. Featuring slowly caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and a savory broth-based sauce, this hearty and comforting meal is finished with aromatic herbs and a tangy splash of sherry vinegar. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that delivers deep, complex flavors without requiring multiple pots or pans.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 cups water
- 12 oz dried orecchiette or other short-cut pasta
- 1 tbsp sherry vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (for garnish)
- Toasted breadcrumbs (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions along with a pinch of salt to help draw out moisture. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized, about 25-30 minutes.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, sliced mushrooms, and fresh thyme. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms soften and the garlic is fragrant.
- Deglaze and Thicken: Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens and coats the ingredients.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the beef broth (or vegetable broth) and water to the skillet. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the liquid to a boil, then add the dried orecchiette pasta. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente and has absorbed much of the flavorful liquid.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the sherry vinegar for brightness. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the pasta warm, garnished with fresh herbs and toasted breadcrumbs if desired for added texture.
Notes
- Use beef broth for a richer flavor or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- Sherry vinegar adds a nice tang and balances the sweetness of the caramelized onions.
- Toasted breadcrumbs provide a crunchy contrast but are optional.
- For gluten-free, substitute the pasta with a gluten-free variety and ensure broth and flour are gluten-free.
- Make sure to slowly caramelize the onions without burning for best flavor.
