Description
A SUPER EASY, creamy, and savory French Onion Pasta recipe that brings together caramelized onions, mushrooms, and tender pasta in a rich, tangy sauce.
Ingredients
- Olive Oil: 1/4 cup (for caramelizing magic!)
- Yellow Onions: 3 large, thinly sliced (the flavorful base).
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced (adds bold flavor).
- Cremini Mushrooms: 8 oz, sliced (fantastic umami!).
- Fresh Thyme: 1 tbsp (for earthy aroma).
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 tbsp (for thickening).
- Beef or Veggie Broth: 2 cups (for the rich base).
- Water: 2 cups (to balance the broth).
- Dried Orecchiette Pasta: 12 oz (or a similar shape to hold the sauce).
- Sherry Vinegar: 1 tbsp (adds a tangy punch).
- Salt and Fresh Ground Black Pepper: To taste (season generously).
- Optional: Fresh herbs & toasted breadcrumbs for garnish
Instructions
-
Sizzle and Caramelize:
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized.
-
Mushroom Time and Deglaze:
- Add garlic and mushrooms to the pan. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until tender.
- Pour in wine to deglaze, scraping the pan.
- Add flour, stirring constantly for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
-
Broth and Simmer:
- Stir in beef or veggie broth and water. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
-
Pasta In and Cooking:
- Add pasta to the creamy broth.
- Cook for 8–10 minutes or until pasta reaches an “al dente” texture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
-
The Final Touch:
- Remove the pan from heat and stir in sherry vinegar for a tangy finish.
-
Serve:
- Plate the pasta. Garnish with fresh herbs and toasted breadcrumbs.
Notes
- Caramelize with Patience: Don’t rush the onions! Cooking them slowly over medium heat ensures the deep, sweet flavor that makes this dish special. Stir often to avoid burning.
- Deglazing Is Key: When adding the wine, scrape the bottom of the pan to incorporate all those delicious caramelized bits into your sauce.
- Customize Your Pasta Shape: While orecchiette is great for holding the sauce, any pasta with ridges or curves (like rotini or cavatappi) works well.
- Boost Flavor with Broth: Opt for a high-quality broth for the best results. Homemade or low-sodium store-bought broth works perfectly.
- Make It Vegetarian: Swap beef broth with veggie broth and enjoy the same rich flavors.
Nutrition
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 9 g