Caramelized onions add a level of sophistication and depth to any dish, and when paired with pasta and cheese, they create an irresistible combination. This Caramelized Onion Pasta Bake is not only easy to make but also offers a comforting, rich flavor that both kids and adults will love. The crunchiness of the baked cheese on top contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta underneath, making every bite a delight.
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Caramelized Onion Pasta Bake
🎥Video Recipe:
📖Printable Recipe:
Caramelized Onion Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- 4 medium white onions sliced
- 4 medium shallots sliced
- 3 thyme sprigs
- 150 ml 5 fl.oz dry white wine
- 350 g 12 oz shell pasta
- 150 ml 5 fl.oz cream
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoon sugar
- 150 g 5 oz gruyere cheese, shredded
- 3 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200C/400F.
- Melt butter in a heavy cast iron skillet. Cook white onions and shallots for 15 minutes, adding a pinch of salt to it.4 medium white onions, 3 tablespoon butter, 4 medium shallots
- Mix onions with sugar and soy sauce, cook for 10 minutes more. Pour in white wine, add thyme and continue cooking for 15 minutes more.150 ml 5 fl.oz dry white wine, 2 tablespoon soy sauce, 2 tablespoon sugar, 3 thyme sprigs
- Meanwhile, cook pasta al-dente, saving about ½ cup pasta water.350 g 12 oz shell pasta
- Mix pasta with onions, pour in pasta water and full-fat cream, bring to a boil and transfer into a baking pan.150 ml 5 fl.oz cream
- Top pasta with cheese. Bake for 15 minutes.150 g 5 oz gruyere cheese, shredded
Video
Nutrition
📋Ingredients
- 4 medium white onions, sliced
- 4 medium shallots, sliced
- 3 thyme sprigs
- 150 ml (5 fl.oz) dry white wine
- 350 g (12 oz) shell pasta
- 150 ml (5 fl.oz) cream
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoon sugar
- 150 g (5 oz) gruyere cheese, shredded
- 3 tablespoon butter
🔪How Do I Make It?
Preheat the oven to 200C/400F.
Melt butter in a heavy cast iron skillet. Cook white onions and shallots for 15 minutes, adding a pinch of salt to it.
Mix onions with sugar and soy sauce, cook for 10 minutes more. Pour in white wine, add thyme and continue cooking for 15 minutes more.
Meanwhile, cook pasta al-dente, saving about ½ cup pasta water.
Mix pasta with onions, pour in pasta water and full-fat cream, bring to a boil and transfer into a baking pan.
Top pasta with cheese. Bake for 15 minutes.
🍽What Do I Serve With This Casserole Dish?
While this caramelized onion pasta bake is a standout dish on its own, pairing it with the right sides can elevate the meal. Here are some ideas:
Fresh Green Salad
A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the pasta bake.
Garlic Bread
Crispy garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce from your plate.
Steamed Vegetables
Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans add a healthy touch and a splash of color to your meal.
By serving these sides, you can create a well-rounded and satisfying dinner that will impress your family and guests alike.
⏲️Chef's Tip
Patience is Key
To achieve perfectly caramelized onions, patience is your best tool. Cooking them slowly over medium heat allows the natural sugars within the onions to break down gradually, resulting in that deep, sweet, and robust flavor that elevates any dish.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Avoid the temptation to rush. The process is worth the wait as it transforms ordinary onions into a beautiful golden-brown masterpiece. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent any sticking or burning.
Enhancing with Protein
If you're looking to add protein to your dish, consider incorporating cooked chicken or Italian sausage for an additional layer of flavor and heartiness. These proteins pair beautifully with the sweet, savory balance of caramelized onions.
💭Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish up to the point of baking. Cover it with foil and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, simply bake it in the oven until it's hot and bubbly.
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Yes, while Gruyere adds a nice nutty flavor, you can substitute it with other melty cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar. Each will bring its own unique taste to the dish.
Is There a Gluten-Free Option?
Certainly! Just substitute the shell pasta with a gluten-free variety, and you're good to go. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I Freeze the Leftovers?
Yes, this pasta bake freezes well. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Label it with the date and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven until it's piping hot.
What Kind of Pasta Works Best?
While shell pasta is recommended for its texture and ability to hold sauce, penne, rigatoni, or rotini are also excellent choices. These types effectively trap the creamy sauce and onions, ensuring a flavorful bite every time.
How Can I Add More Vegetables?
Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the dish for extra nutrients and flavor. Mix them in with the caramelized onions before combining everything with the pasta and cheese.
Is It Possible to Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Certainly! This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can enhance the veggie aspect by adding more of your favorite vegetables or even incorporating nuts like pine nuts or walnuts for added richness and texture.
🥘More Easy Casseroles
If you loved this caramelized onion pasta bake, you'll want to explore more of our easy casserole recipes. From cheesy potato casseroles to vegetable bakes, there's a world of comforting, family-friendly dinner ideas waiting for you.
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