Description
This One Pot French Onion Pasta recipe combines the rich, sweet flavor of caramelized onions with earthy mushrooms and fresh thyme, all cooked together with pasta in a savory broth for a comforting and satisfying meal. The dish is finished with a splash of sherry vinegar and optionally topped with fresh herbs and toasted breadcrumbs for added texture and brightness.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
Liquids and Thickener
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 cups water
Pasta and Seasoning
- 12 oz dried orecchiette or other short-cut pasta
- 1 tbsp sherry vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme)
- Toasted breadcrumbs (optional)
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. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions become deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 25-30 minutes. This step builds the rich base flavor of the dish.
- Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic, sliced cremini mushrooms, and fresh thyme to the skillet. Sauté everything together until the mushrooms soften and release their moisture, approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Deglaze and Thicken: Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Then sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well to combine. Cook this mixture for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and create a flavorful roux that will help thicken the sauce.
- Cook the Pasta: Pour in the beef or vegetable broth and the water, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the liquid to a boil, then add the dried orecchiette pasta. Reduce heat slightly and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed much of the flavorful broth.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sherry vinegar to brighten and balance the dish. Serve the pasta warm, garnished with fresh herbs and toasted breadcrumbs if desired for an added crunchy texture.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of this dish.
- Be patient while caramelizing the onions to develop deep, sweet flavors.
- Orecchiette pasta works well, but any small-shaped pasta can be substituted.
- Toasted breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch but are optional.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, particularly salt and pepper, before serving.
