Description
Delectable one pot onion pasta delivers rich, caramelized flavor through simple Mediterranean ingredients. Creamy, silky noodles merge seamlessly with sweet onion notes, promising a delightful meal you’ll savor to the last bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) short cut pasta (orecchiette)
- 3 large yellow onions (sliced into rings, 1/8-inch thick)
- 5 oz freshly shredded Gruyere cheese
- ¼ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsps olive oil
- 2 tbsps unsalted butter
- 4 cups water (or beef broth)
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp reduced sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsps beef bouillon (granulated, base, or cubes)
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, minced (or 1 tsp dried)
- 2 tsps fresh thyme, minced (or ¾ tsp dried)
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tbsp cornstarch
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: Heat Dutch oven over medium, melt butter and olive oil. Add sliced onions with salt and pepper, stirring occasionally until deep golden-brown and richly developed, approximately 30-35 minutes.
- Build Flavor Base: Introduce minced garlic, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce to caramelized onions, sautéing briefly to intensify aromatics.
- Create Liquid Foundation: Combine water and half evaporated milk, whisk cornstarch with remaining milk. Raise heat, bringing mixture to boil while incorporating beef bouillon and selected herbs.
- Cook Pasta: Submerge pasta into bubbling liquid, reduce heat to gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 11-14 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Finalize Sauce: Remove from heat, gradually fold in Gruyere cheese, allowing complete melting between additions. Incorporate Parmesan cheese until sauce reaches smooth, creamy consistency.
- Season and Garnish: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, potentially thinning sauce with additional water or milk. Optional: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Caramelize Carefully: Low and slow heat transforms onions into sweet, golden perfection; rushing risks burning and bitter flavors.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Add Gruyere and Parmesan gradually, stirring constantly to ensure smooth, even melting without clumping.
- Liquid Balance Matters: Monitor pasta cooking liquid closely; too little causes sticking, too much creates watery sauce.
- Flavor Layering Strategy: Introduce seasonings sequentially – soy sauce, Worcestershire, red pepper flakes – to build complex, deep taste profiles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg