**One Pot French Onion Pasta Recipe**
** Servings: 4-6**
** Ingredients:**
**Pasta and Onion Base:**
* 12 oz (340g) pappardelle or other wide, flat pasta
* 2 large onions, thinly sliced
* 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
* Salt and pepper, to taste
**Flavor Enhancers:**
* 2 cloves of garlic, minced
* 1 tsp (5ml) dried thyme
* 1 tsp (5ml) dried rosemary
* 1 bay leaf
* 1 cup (250ml) dry white wine (optional)
**Cheese and Cream:**
* 1 cup (115g) grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese
* 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
**Additional Toppings (optional):**
* Chopped fresh parsley or thyme
* Crispy bacon or prosciutto
* Chopped fresh mushrooms
* Diced ham or cooked chicken
**Instructions:**
1. **Start with the onion base:** In a large, heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes or until they are dark golden brown and caramelized. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. **Add the garlic and herbs:** Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Add the thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf; cook for 1 minute.
3. **Add the pasta:** Add the pappardelle or other wide, flat pasta to the pot. Stir to coat the pasta with the onion mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. **Add the wine (optional) and chicken broth:** Add the white wine (if using) and cook until the liquid is almost completely evaporated, stirring occasionally. Add 2 cups (475ml) of chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
5. **Cook the pasta:** Cook the pasta for 10-12 minutes or until it is al dente, stirring occasionally. The pasta will absorb most of the liquid.
6. **Add the cheese and cream:** Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese until melted. Add the heavy cream or half-and-half and stir until combined.
7. **Season and serve:** Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or thyme, crispy bacon or prosciutto, chopped fresh mushrooms, or diced ham or cooked chicken (if using).
**Tips for Making One Pot French Onion Pasta Tastier:**
* **Use high-quality ingredients:** Fresh, flavorful onions and good-quality cheese make a big difference in the flavor profile of this dish.
* **Cook the onions slowly:** Taking the time to caramelize the onions will result in a deeper, richer flavor.
* **Use a flavorful pasta:** Pappardelle or other wide, flat pasta is best suited for this dish, as it can hold onto the flavorful sauce.
* **Don't overcook the pasta:** Al dente pasta will absorb the flavors better and retain its texture.
* **Experiment with additional flavors:** Try adding diced ham or cooked chicken, chopped fresh mushrooms, or a sprinkle of paprika to give the dish a unique twist.
**Variations:**
* **Goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes:** Replace the Gruyère or Swiss cheese with crumbled goat cheese and add 1/4 cup of sun-dried tomatoes.
* **Mushroom and prosciutto:** Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms and 2-3 slices of prosciutto during the onion cooking process.
* **Bacon and chives:** Add 4-6 slices of crispy bacon and 1 tablespoon of chopped chives during the last minute of cooking.
* **Roasted garlic and rosemary:** Roast 2-3 cloves of garlic in the oven until caramelized, then mash and add to the pot during the onion cooking process. Add an additional sprig of rosemary for added depth of flavor.
Enjoy your delicious One Pot French Onion Pasta!
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