French Onion Tortellini Recipe
French Onion Tortellini is a delectable fusion dish that combines the flavors of French onion soup with the satisfying texture of Italian tortellini.It features tender cheese tortellini in a luscious sauce made from caramelized onions, beef broth, and white wine.Topped with a blend of melted Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses, then broiled to golden perfection, it's a crowd-pleasing meal that's both indulgent and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 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
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1 package 20 oz cheese tortellini
- 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes until they're deeply caramelized and golden brown. Be patient – this step is crucial for developing that rich, French onion flavor!
- Add minced garlic and thyme, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over the onions and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Slowly pour in the beef broth and white wine, stirring to prevent lumps. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Meanwhile, cook the tortellini in a separate pot of salted water according to package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Add the cooked tortellini to the onion mixture, gently tossing to coat.
- Transfer the mixture to a large, oven-safe skillet or baking dish.
- Top with grated Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses.
- Place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
When selecting onions, go for sweet varieties like Vidalia or Walla Walla for the best caramelization. Fresh tortellini is ideal, but good-quality frozen will work in a pinch. For the cheeses, splurge on authentic Gruyère for that classic French onion flavor, and use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt.