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This one-pot French onion pasta combines the rich flavors of traditional French onion soup with perfectly cooked mezze rigatoni. The dish features deeply caramelized onions and nutty Gruyere cheese, creating a luxurious sauce that coats every bite of pasta.
This recipe transforms everyday ingredients into an elegant yet comforting meal. The pasta absorbs the rich onion-infused broth while cooking, developing deep layers of flavor in every strand.
Key Ingredients
- Yellow Onions: Select firm, heavy onions for best caramelization results
- Mezze Rigatoni: This pasta shape captures sauce perfectly in its ridges
- Aged Gruyere: Provides essential nutty, complex flavor notes
- Beef Stock: Creates the foundation for a rich, velvety sauce
- Dry Sherry: Adds depth and helps deglaze the caramelized bits
Cooking Method
- 1. Prepare the Onions:
- - Slice onions lengthwise into 1/8 inch strips
- Heat oil in Dutch oven until shimmering
- Add onions with salt and water to start the softening process - 2. Caramelize:
- - Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally
- Allow onions to slowly develop golden color
- Deglaze with sherry when deeply browned - 3. Cook Pasta:
- - Add pasta and liquid to onion mixture
- Stir regularly to prevent sticking
- Cook until just before al dente - 4. Finish Dish:
- - Reduce heat before adding cheese
- Incorporate cream gradually
- Allow sauce to thicken slightly
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The technique of slowly caramelizing onions creates an incredible depth of flavor that forms the foundation of this dish. Each step builds on the last to create a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
Pro Tips
- Add butter at the end for extra richness
- Always scrape up browned bits when deglazing
- Finish with fresh thyme before serving
The success of this dish depends on properly caramelizing the onions. Taking time with this step ensures the characteristic sweet, rich flavor that makes this pasta special.
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This recipe showcases how basic ingredients can be transformed into an impressive meal through proper technique and patience. The result is a perfect balance of comfort and sophistication.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why does this take a while to cook?
- The onions need time to caramelize fully, giving the dish its rich, bold flavor.
- → Can I use a different kind of pasta?
- Absolutely! Just stick to medium-sized shapes and watch the cooking time to ensure it matches the pasta you use.
- → What can I swap for gruyere cheese?
- You can try fontina or Swiss cheese instead; both work well in place of gruyere.
- → Is the wine necessary?
- Not really. You can leave it out and just add more beef broth, though the taste might change a bit.
- → How do I keep the pasta from sticking together?
- You’ll want to stir it often and add a little more liquid if it looks like it’s drying out while cooking.