Name: French Onion Pasta Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Ingredients: 10.5 oz short pasta (such as rigatoni or penne); 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon sugar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 cup dry white wine; 2 cups low-sodium beef or vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; Freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese; 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese; 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/3 cup grated Gruyère cheese (for topping); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Description

Your kitchen will become a haven of comfort with this French Onion Pasta Bake, perfect for chilly evenings or any time you crave something special.

Ingredients

Scale

10.5 oz short pasta (such as rigatoni or penne)
3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 cups low-sodium beef or vegetable broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup grated Gruyère cheese (for topping)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Start your culinary adventure by preheating your oven to 400°F. This pre-bake step is crucial as it ensures even cooking. While your oven heats, lightly grease your 8 by 12 inch baking dish to avoid any sticking and to aid in the glorious golden crust that’ll come from the melted cheese.
Bring a generous pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta for about two minutes less than the package instructions indicate; this is important so that the pasta doesn’t become mushy when it bakes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the unsalted butter and olive oil. Add the sliced onions, salt, and sugar to the skillet, stirring occasionally. Allow them to cook for about 20 to 25 minutes until they reach a deep golden color, releasing their sweet and savory flavors. The sugar will help enhance the natural sweetness of the onions, creating that perfect caramelization.
Once your onions are beautifully caramelized, it’s time to elevate the flavor profile. Stir in minced garlic and thyme, letting them simmer for about a minute until fragrant. Then, pour in the dry white wine, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze it. As the wine reduces by half, it will intensify the flavor base of your pasta bake.
Next, pour in the low-sodium beef or vegetable broth and add the Worcestershire sauce. Allow this mixture to simmer for about five minutes, seasoning with freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Afterward, reduce the heat to low and delicately stir in the heavy cream, then remove it from the heat.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the caramelized onion mixture, Gruyère, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, mixing thoroughly. Make sure every piece of pasta is generously coated with the creamy sauce and cheese, ensuring that no one will miss out on the deliciousness.
Carefully pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish. Don’t forget to sprinkle the remaining Gruyère cheese on top, as this will melt beautifully and create a delightful crust during baking. Bake the pasta for 15 to 20 minutes until golden and bubbly, watching carefully for that perfect golden top.
Once baked, let the pasta rest for 5 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to serve. For an extra touch of freshness, consider garnishing with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Approximately 550 calories per serving. 20g protein, 500mg sodium.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dinner

Nutrition

Calories: 550 kcal
Sodium: 500 mg
Protein: 20 g