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One-Pot French Onion Orecchiette is a rich and creamy pasta dish inspired by the classic French onion soup. This recipe simplifies the cooking process by combining all ingredients into one pot, making it an easy and flavorful meal ready in under an hour. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that brings together sweet caramelized onions, savory broth, and melted Gruyère cheese.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy One-Pot Meal: Simplifies cooking and cleanup.
• Rich and Creamy: The caramelized onions and pasta starch create a creamy, flavorful sauce.
• Comforting Flavors: Combines the classic taste of French onion soup with pasta.
• Customizable: Adaptable for vegan and gluten-free diets.

Origin of French Onion Pasta

French Onion Pasta is a modern adaptation of French onion soup. The exact origin is difficult to pinpoint, but it gained popularity as a viral recipe, with variations appearing on food blogs and social media. This innovative dish transforms the traditional soup into a pasta dish, offering a new way to enjoy the beloved flavors of caramelized onions, beef broth, and Gruyère cheese.

Ingredients

• 2 yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
• 8 ounces orecchiette pasta
• 4 cups beef stock, hot
• ¾ cup red wine or ½ cup dry white wine
• 8 ounces Gruyère cheese
• Parmigiano Reggiano, to taste
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
• Optional: 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Optional: Sherry vinegar

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Small pan

How to Prepare One-Pot French Onion Orecchiette

1. Caramelize Onions: Add onions to the pot with olive oil (or butter) and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until deeply caramelized, about 30 minutes. Deglaze with ¼ cup of water as needed to prevent burning.
2. Add Garlic and Mushrooms (Optional): Add minced garlic, thyme, and sliced mushrooms (if using) and cook until fragrant.
3. Deglaze: Deglaze the pan with red wine (or white wine), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
4. Add Pasta and Broth: Add orecchiette pasta and hot beef stock. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the pasta is nearly al dente, stirring frequently. Add more stock if needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Toast Bread Crumbs: Heat olive oil in a small pan and toast bread crumbs with salt and thyme until golden brown.
6. Add Cheese and Butter: Stir in butter and most of the Gruyère cheese until melted and well incorporated.
7. Bake (Optional): Top with remaining Gruyère and bake at 400°F for 5-7 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve: Serve hot, topped with toasted breadcrumbs, fresh thyme, and Parmigiano Reggiano. A splash of sherry vinegar can be added at the end to brighten the flavors.

Cooking Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

• Patience with Onions: Caramelizing onions takes time; don’t rush the process.
• Prevent Burning: Deglaze the pan with water during caramelization to prevent the onions from burning.
• Stirring Frequently: Stir the pasta frequently while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Ensure the pasta is slightly under al dente before turning off the heat, as it will continue to cook in the residual heat.
• Adjust Liquid: Add more stock or water as needed to keep the pasta from drying out.

Serving Tips

• Garnish: Top with toasted breadcrumbs, fresh thyme, and grated Parmigiano Reggiano.
• Side Dish: Serve with a side salad or crusty bread.
• Wine Pairing: Enjoy with a glass of red wine.

Health Benefits of Ingredients

• Onions: Rich in antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Beef Broth: Provides collagen and essential amino acids.

Interesting Facts

• Using a homemade beef stock can significantly enhance the flavor of the dish.
• Adding a splash of sherry vinegar at the end brightens the overall flavor.
• This recipe can be easily adapted for different types of pasta and cheese.

Summarized Recipe

Ingredients:

Yellow onions, butter, olive oil, thyme, garlic, tamari (or soy sauce), orecchiette pasta, beef stock, red wine, Gruyère cheese, Parmigiano Reggiano, bread crumbs, salt, pepper.

Instructions:

1. Caramelize sliced onions in a pot.
2. Add garlic, thyme, and mushrooms (optional).
3. Deglaze with red wine.
4. Add orecchiette pasta and beef stock; simmer until pasta is almost al dente.
5. Toast bread crumbs with thyme and salt.
6. Stir in butter and most of the Gruyère cheese.
7. Top with remaining Gruyère and bake (optional).
8. Serve with breadcrumbs, thyme, and Parmigiano Reggiano.

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