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French Onion Tortellini Bake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 70 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Total Time: 75 minutes
  • Yield: 5 to 6 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: French-American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This French Onion Tortellini recipe marries the rich, caramelized flavors of classic French onion soup with tender cheese tortellini, creating a comforting and elegant dish. Slow-cooked onions form a savory base enhanced by white wine and herbs, while melted Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses add a golden, bubbly finish. Perfect for a cozy dinner that feels indulgent yet approachable.


Ingredients

Onion Base

  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Tortellini and Cheese

  • 1 package (20 oz) cheese tortellini
  • 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish


Instructions

  1. Melt Butter and Olive Oil: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter together with olive oil over medium heat to create a flavorful base for the onions.
  2. Caramelize Onions: Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes until deeply caramelized and golden brown, developing the dish’s signature rich flavor.
  3. Add Garlic and Thyme: Stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves, cooking for another minute until fragrant to enhance the aroma and flavor complexity.
  4. Incorporate Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onion mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly to create a slight roux that will thicken the sauce.
  5. Add Broth and Wine: Slowly pour in the beef broth and dry white wine, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Cook Tortellini: Meanwhile, cook the cheese tortellini in a separate pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  7. Combine Tortellini and Onions: Add the cooked tortellini to the caramelized onion mixture, gently tossing to coat each piece evenly in the savory sauce.
  8. Transfer to Baking Dish: Move the combined mixture to a large, oven-safe skillet or baking dish, preparing it for the cheese topping.
  9. Add Cheese Topping: Evenly sprinkle the grated Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses over the top for a rich, bubbly crust after broiling.
  10. Broil Cheese: Place the dish under the oven broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully until the cheese melts, bubbles, and achieves a light golden-brown color.
  11. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh herbal note and color.

Notes

  • Patience during the caramelization process is key for deep flavor development—don’t rush the onions.
  • Use vegetable broth to make this recipe vegetarian.
  • Keep a close eye on the dish during broiling to avoid burning the cheese.
  • Fresh thyme can be substituted with dried thyme if needed; reduce quantity by half.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.