Pin it A comforting pasta dish featuring rich caramelized onions, savory broth, and a creamy sauce inspired by classic French onion soup and perfectly paired with tender ditalini pasta.
This dish reminds me of cozy family dinners where everyone savors every bite of the warm comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) ditalini pasta
- Onions: 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp salt
- Sauce: 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 tbsp all-purpose flour, 240 ml (1 cup) vegetable broth (or beef broth for non-vegetarian), 120 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream, 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme), 1 tsp Dijon mustard, Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cheese Topping: 100 g (1 cup) Gruyère cheese, grated, 40 g (1/3 cup) Parmesan cheese, grated, Chopped chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Cook the ditalini pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Step 2:
- Meanwhile, heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat Add sliced onions, sugar, and salt Cook, stirring often, until onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 25 30 minutes Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning.
- Step 3:
- Add minced garlic to the caramelized onions and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4:
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions, stir, and cook for 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
- Step 5:
- Pour in the broth, scraping up any browned bits Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 6:
- Add the heavy cream, thyme, Dijon mustard, and black pepper Simmer gently for 3 4 minutes until creamy.
- Step 7:
- Stir in the cooked ditalini pasta and reserved pasta water as needed for desired sauce consistency.
- Step 8:
- Remove from heat Gently fold in half the Gruyère and all the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 9:
- Serve hot, topped with remaining Gruyère and fresh herbs.
Pin it Sharing this meal with family brings warmth and joy to our evenings, making every bite meaningful.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, wooden spoon or spatula, knife and cutting board, cheese grater
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (butter, cream, cheese) and Wheat (pasta, flour) For gluten or dairy allergies, use gluten-free pasta flour and dairy alternatives Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
525 calories, 23 g total fat, 62 g carbohydrates, 16 g protein per serving
Pin it This recipe delivers comfort and richness in every creamy bite perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Recipe FAQs
- → What pasta works best for this dish?
Ditalini pasta is preferred for its bite-sized shape, which holds the creamy sauce well, but other small pasta shapes can be used as substitutes.
- → How do I caramelize onions perfectly?
Cook sliced onions slowly over medium heat with butter and olive oil, stirring often until they turn golden brown and deeply caramelized, which can take about 25 to 30 minutes.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the cream and cheeses with dairy-free alternatives and use vegetable broth to maintain richness without dairy.
- → What gives the sauce its creamy texture?
The combination of heavy cream and melted Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses creates a rich and smooth sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Absolutely, by using gluten-free pasta and flour, the dish can be adapted to be gluten-free without compromising flavor.
- → Can I enhance the flavor further?
Broiling the assembled pasta with additional cheese until bubbly and golden adds an extra layer of richness and texture.