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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Combine Tortellini and Onions: Add the cooked tortellini to the caramelized onion mixture, gently tossing to coat each piece evenly in the savory sauce.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Move the combined mixture to a large, oven-safe skillet or baking dish, preparing it for the cheese topping.
- Add Cheese Topping: Evenly sprinkle the grated Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses over the top for a rich, bubbly crust after broiling.
- 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.
- 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.