Description
Savory French onion pasta blends classic French bistro comfort with creamy, caramelized onion magic. Rich cheese and deep umami flavors create a luscious dinner experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) rigatoni, uncooked
- 8 ounces (227 grams) white mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (1.4-ounce) onion soup mix packet
Aromatics and Cheese:
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup Gruyere cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Place a large pot over medium heat and drizzle with olive oil, creating a smooth cooking surface for caramelizing onions.
- Gently lower sliced onions into the pot, allowing them to transform into a rich, golden-brown color through patient stirring over 10-12 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the caramelized onions, creating a fragrant and earthy base for the pasta dish.
- Sauté the garlic and mushrooms until they release their moisture and develop a tender, slightly glossy appearance.
- Pour beef broth and water into the pot, creating a flavorful liquid foundation for cooking the pasta.
- Add dry pasta and onion soup mix directly into the liquid, ensuring even distribution and maximum flavor absorption.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle bubbling state, then reduce heat to medium-low for controlled cooking.
- Allow pasta to simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure uniform cooking for 12-15 minutes.
- When pasta reaches al dente texture, season with salt and black pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.
- Sprinkle Gruyere cheese over the pasta, stirring until it melts completely and creates a luxurious, creamy sauce.
- Remove the pot from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh herb essence.
- Serve immediately, with an optional extra sprinkle of Gruyere cheese for those desiring an intensely cheesy experience.
Notes
- Caramelize onions slowly over medium-low heat to develop deep, rich flavor without burning, which can make them bitter.
- Add a splash of white wine or balsamic vinegar during onion cooking to enhance sweetness and complexity of the dish.
- Use low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels, allowing you to season precisely with salt and pepper at the end.
- Swap Gruyere with other melty cheeses like fontina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg