Description
This Creamy French Onion Pasta combines deeply caramelized onions with tender rigatoni, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce infused with red wine, beef broth, and Gruyere cheese. A comforting dish that elevates simple ingredients into a gourmet experience, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Onions and Butter
- 2 large white onions, sliced thin
- 5 tbsp butter, divided
Herbs and Spices
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 tsp pepper (adjust to taste)
Liquids and Sauces
- 3/4 cup dry red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon recommended), divided
- 3.5 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or half & half
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 lb short pasta (rigatoni preferred)
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (use freshly shredded from block), divided
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Thinly slice the onions and heat 3 tablespoons of butter in a large soup pot over low-medium heat. Sauté the onions for about 8-10 minutes until they start to soften. Add 1/4 cup of red wine, stirring frequently until the liquid is absorbed. Repeat this with another 1/4 cup of red wine. Continue cooking slowly, adding the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter as needed to prevent dryness, for a total of about 30 minutes until the onions are richly caramelized but not burnt.
- Add Herbs and Spices: Stir in fresh thyme leaves, minced garlic, and cayenne pepper. Continue cooking on low heat for another 5-7 minutes to enhance and deepen the flavors without letting anything char.
- Combine Pasta and Liquids: Pour in the remaining 1/4 cup of red wine, heavy cream, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the rigatoni pasta to the pot and stir well. Leave the pot uncovered and cook, stirring frequently, until most of the liquid is absorbed and the pasta reaches an al dente texture—approximately 10 to 11 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Adjust Seasoning: Mix in 3/4 cup of shredded Gruyere cheese thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and more cheese if desired. Check the pasta’s doneness carefully to determine the baking approach.
- Bake with Cheese Topping: Transfer the pasta mixture into an oven-safe baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining Gruyere cheese over the top. If the pasta is fully cooked and tender, broil it for 3 minutes until the cheese melts and browns. If the pasta is slightly undercooked (al dente), bake it for 8-10 minutes first, then broil for 2 additional minutes.
- Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and optionally garnish with extra cheese and fresh thyme leaves. Serve hot and enjoy the rich and comforting flavors of creamy French onion pasta!
Notes
- Use freshly shredded Gruyere cheese for best melting and flavor.
- Adjust cayenne pepper for desired spice level.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with a rich vegetable broth.
- Make sure to stir frequently during pasta cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Broiling at the end gives the cheese a beautiful golden crust.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-inspired
