French Onion Soup Pasta a Souper Supper
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever crave that warm, comforting hug of french onion soup but fancy something a bit more...substantial? We're diving headfirst into french onion soup pasta ! It's a sweet and savory symphony.
Honestly, who can resist?
Brief Overview
This delightful dish marries the iconic flavors of French cuisine with the comforting simplicity of pasta. Think Parisian bistro meets Italian Nonna's kitchen.
It's a medium level recipe, taking around an hour, and yields about 4 servings. Perfect for a cozy night!
Main Benefits
This comfort food pasta recipes is packed with flavour, and onions are supposedly good for you, right? This french bistro pasta dishes is great for a weeknight dinner that feels like a special occasion.
Trust me, this caramelized onion pasta recipe will become a new favourite!
Onions: The Soul of the Dish
Okay, so let's talk about what makes this french onion pasta bake sing: the onions! You'll need 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
And now, for the stars, you will need 3 large yellow onions, sliced thinly (about 2 lbs/900g), 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Low and slow is the key.
We're aiming for that deep, rich, mahogany colour. You know, the kind that makes your kitchen smell like pure heaven? Patience is key when you want the onions to turn into flavour bombs.
Trust me, don’t rush! It is going to take you about 30- 40 minutes to obtain it.
Aromatics and Wine: A Touch of Elegance
Now, we're taking a trip to flavour town. We will add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for about one minute, the aromatic will go crazy.
Then, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour. Cook for another minute. Then, pour in ½ cup of dry red wine.
Scrape up all those browned bits from the bottom! It's where the magic hides.
Allow the wine to reduce slightly. We’re talking 2 minutes , give or take. Now it's time to bring in the beef: 4 cups of beef broth! Then, we will add 1 sprig of fresh thyme and 1 bay leaf.
Simmer for about 15 minutes and allow all the flavours to blend. You can also make an onion soup pasta vegetarian , just use vegetable broth.
Alright, let's talk about what you need to whip up this amazing French Onion Soup Pasta! It's easier than you think, honestly.
This isn't just any comfort food pasta recipes ; it's elevated comfort food!
Ingredients & Equipment
Let's break down everything to nail this french onion soup pasta . I've tweaked this Caramelized onion pasta recipe over the years so it would work for me.
Main Ingredients
- Butter: 2 tablespoons ( 28g ) unsalted. This adds richness, get some good butter.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ). Essential for caramelizing, don't skimp!
- Yellow Onions: 3 large , thinly sliced (about 2 lbs / 900g ). Yellow onions are the classic choice. Look for firm onions.
- Granulated Sugar: 1 teaspoon ( 5g ). Helps with caramelization.
- Kosher Salt: 1/2 teaspoon ( 3g ). Season those onions!
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon ( 1g ). Adds a little kick.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced ( 6g ). Essential, really!
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 tablespoon ( 8g ). Helps thicken the sauce.
- Dry Red Wine: 1/2 cup ( 120ml ), like a Burgundy or Cabernet Sauvignon. Really enhances the French bistro pasta dishes
- Beef Broth: 4 cups ( 950ml ). This is the heart of the soup. For a Pasta with beef broth be sure that's low sodium.
- Thyme: 1 sprig fresh. Adds that earthy aroma.
- Bay Leaf: 1 . You can't skip this.
- Pasta: 1 pound ( 450g ) of your choice (rigatoni, penne, or shells). A good quality, bronze die cut pasta will work well.
- Gruyère Cheese: 4 ounces ( 115g ), grated. Absolutely crucial for that melty, cheesy goodness for that Gruyere pasta!
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped (optional garnish). Makes it look all fancy.
Seasoning Notes
Garlic and thyme, baby! This french onion soup variations need depth. The bay leaf adds a subtle herbal note that's key.
A splash of red wine adds complexity, that goes for the pasta recipes with red wine too.
If you're doing a onion soup pasta vegetarian version, use vegetable broth. I love a bit of balsamic vinegar at the end for depth.
Equipment Needed
- Large Dutch oven. This is your best friend for caramelizing.
- Large saucepan for pasta. For cooking your pasta perfectly.
- Colander. Gotta drain that pasta!
- Cheese grater. Get that Gruyère ready!
You can sub a big, heavy bottomed pot for the Dutch oven if you're in a pinch. Honestly, a normal stock pot will do for the easy weeknight pasta dinners .
Don’t stress too much about having the exact right thing!
French Onion Soup Pasta: A Souper Supper!
Honestly, who doesn't love French Onion Soup? That rich, savory broth, those sweet, caramelized onions , that gooey Gruyère ... chef's kiss .
But let's be real, sometimes you want more than just soup. That's where this french onion soup pasta comes in! It's a totally unique and delicious way to enjoy all those classic flavors in a comforting, slurpable pasta dish.
We're talking serious comfort food pasta recipes here, folks. It's like a warm hug, but edible.
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place
First things first, let's get organized. Chop those 3 large yellow onions nice and thin. Mince those 2 cloves of garlic .
Grate your 4 ounces of Gruyère . Have your 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil ready to go.
Measure out your ½ cup of red wine and 4 cups of beef broth . You know the drill! Having everything prepped saves time and keeps you sane, trust me.
We're aiming for a easy weeknight pasta dinners vibe.
step-by-step to French Onion Bliss
- Caramelize those Onions : Melt 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a big pot over medium heat. Toss in the sliced onions , 1 teaspoon sugar , ½ teaspoon salt , and ¼ teaspoon pepper . Cook for 30- 40 minutes , stirring often, until the onions are deeply golden brown and caramelized. Patience is key! Don't rush it.
- Add the Good Stuff : Stir in the minced 2 cloves of garlic and cook for 1 minute . Then, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon flour and cook for another 1 minute .
- Deglaze Like a Boss : Pour in ½ cup red wine , scraping up any yummy browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 2 minutes , until the wine reduces.
- Broth and Herbs : Pour in 4 cups beef broth . Add 1 sprig thyme and 1 bay leaf . Bring to a simmer, then lower the heat and cook for 15 minutes .
- Pasta Time : While the soup simmers, cook 1 pound pasta until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup pasta water . Drain the pasta.
- Marry the Flavors : Remove the thyme and bay leaf. Add the cooked pasta to the pot with the onion soup. Toss it all together, adding pasta water until creamy.
- Serve it Up : Dish it out, top with grated Gruyère , and some fresh parsley if you're feeling fancy. Serve immediately!
Pro Tips for French Onion Perfection
Don't skimp on the broth! A good quality beef broth makes all the difference. Also, don't burn those onions! Keep a close eye on them, especially towards the end.
Want a vegetarian version? Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. A splash of balsamic vinegar adds depth. This caramelized onion pasta recipe is totally customizable, you know? This French onion pasta bake is sure to impress.
Recipe Notes: French Onion Soup Pasta Perfection!
So, you're about to dive into this french onion soup pasta , eh? Brilliant choice! Honestly, this isn't just some random caramelized onion pasta recipe ; it's a hug in a bowl.
Let's talk through a few bits to ensure your dinner is delicieux !
Serving Up Style: Plating and Presentation
You know, presentation matters! For this French bistro pasta dishes , think rustic charm. Serve it up in some earthenware bowls.
Top with extra Gruyere pasta , and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. A simple green salad on the side balances the richness.
A glass of Beaujolais or a light bodied red wine completes the experience! Chef's kiss!
Storage Solutions: Keeping the Dream Alive
Right, leftovers! This comfort food pasta recipes keeps pretty well. Store any leftover french onion pasta bake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days .
Reheat gently on the stovetop. Add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce.
Freezing? Hmm, it's not ideal. The pasta can get a bit mushy. But if you must, freeze in an airtight container for up to a month.
Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.
Twists and Turns: Variations on a Theme
Fancy mixing it up? You got it! For a onion soup pasta vegetarian version, swap out the beef broth for vegetable broth.
Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for that umami kick. For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when caramelizing the onions.
It's your kitchen, so get creative with these French onion soup variations !
Oh, and if you're feeling extra fancy, a tablespoon of cream or crème fraîche stirred in at the end? Divine! You could also easily adapt this to seasonal veggies by using, say, butternut squash instead of the onions.
Nutrition Nitty Gritty: Fueling Your Body
Ok, let's keep it real. The simplified nutrition info is roughly 550 calories per serving. It's got about 25g of protein, 20g of fat, and 65g of carbs.
Look, it's not health food, alright? But it's soul food, and that's important too! The onions offer some antioxidants. The pasta with beef broth provides some iron.
It's all about balance, innit?
I tell you, don't forget to be patient during caramelizing. Low and slow is the only way.
So there you have it. Some notes to help you create a truly fantastic Easy weeknight pasta dinners . Don't be scared to experiment, and most importantly, have fun.
This is one recipe you'll be making again and again!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is French onion soup pasta difficult to make? I'm not exactly Mary Berry!
Not at all! While caramelizing the onions takes a little patience, the recipe itself is fairly straightforward. Just follow the steps, and you'll be enjoying a bowl of delicious French onion soup pasta in no time. Think of it as a fun cooking project even if it's not perfect, it'll still taste amazing.
Can I make French onion soup pasta vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the beef broth with a good quality vegetable broth. For an extra layer of umami flavor, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar while the onions are caramelizing. You won't miss the meat, promise!
What's the best way to store leftover French onion soup pasta?
Store any leftover French onion soup pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you might want to add a splash of broth or water to loosen up the sauce, as the pasta tends to absorb it. A little extra cheese on top never hurts either!
Can I use a different type of cheese besides Gruyère for this French onion soup pasta recipe?
You definitely can! While Gruyère gives that classic, nutty flavor, other cheeses work well too. Swiss or Fontina are excellent substitutes that melt beautifully. You could even experiment with a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile. Just avoid anything too overpowering, like a strong blue cheese.
I'm short on time. Is there a shortcut to caramelizing the onions for my French onion soup pasta?
While there's no perfect shortcut (patience really is key for deeply caramelized onions), you can speed things up a bit. Slice the onions thinly and cook them over slightly higher heat, stirring frequently. Be extra careful to prevent burning.
Alternatively, some supermarkets sell pre-caramelized onions, which could save you some time, although the flavour won't be quite as intense.
How can I adjust the nutritional information of French onion soup pasta to be a bit healthier?
To make this dish lighter, you can use whole wheat pasta, which adds fiber. Opt for low-sodium beef broth to reduce sodium content. You can also use less cheese or choose a lower fat variety.
Finally, adding more vegetables, like mushrooms or spinach, can increase the nutrient density without significantly increasing the calorie count.
French Onion Soup Pasta A Souper Supper
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 5g |