fabian s. klinke

One-Pot French Onion Rigatoni

Ingredients

  • 30g unsalted butter
  • 15ml olive oil
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • Kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal) and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1g fresh thyme leaves
  • 10ml Worcestershire sauce
  • 60ml dry white wine
  • 1.2–1.5L broth, beef for deeper flavor, chicken for a lighter profile, or vegetable
  • 450g mezzi rigatoni or regular rigatoni
  • 120ml heavy cream
  • 140g shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 55g finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the onions: In a large Dutch oven or wide, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-low. Add the onions and cook, stirring every few minutes, until deeply browned, soft and jammy, about 45 minutes.
  2. Once the onions are caramelized, add 4.5 g salt, several grinds of black pepper, the garlic, thyme and Worcestershire sauce. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  3. Deglaze the pot: Pour in the white wine and cook, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, until mostly reduced, about 30 seconds.
  4. Cook the pasta: Add the rigatoni to the pot, then pour in enough broth to just cover the pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and cook uncovered, stirring every 1 to 2 minutes, until the pasta is just tender and the liquid has thickened into a sauce, 15 to 18 minutes depending on the brand and thickness of the pasta. If the liquid reduces too quickly (before the pasta is tender), add more broth, if you didn't use it all, a splash at a time.
  5. Finish the pasta: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Remove the pot from the heat. Add the Gruyère a small handful at a time, stirring until fully melted and smooth before adding more. Once the Gruyère is fully incorporated, stir in the Parmesan until the sauce is glossy and coats the pasta evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  6. Let rest for 5 to 7 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to tighten. Serve warm, with extra Parmesan if desired.