Best Smoky Onion Pasta Bake: Easy Dinner Idea
Discover the ultimate smoky caramelized onion pasta bake recipe! Rich, flavorful, and easy to make, this dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal. Get the full recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs yellow onions thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil plus extra for greasing
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp salt divided
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 0.5 tsp liquid smoke optional, for extra smoky flavor
- 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup milk whole or 2%
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 12 oz short pasta such as penne, ziti, or rotini
- 1.5 cups shredded smoked mozzarella cheese or regular mozzarella
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes, or until the onions are deeply caramelized and soft. Be patient, as this step builds the core flavor.
- While onions are caramelizing, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Once onions are caramelized, add minced garlic, smoked paprika, and optional liquid smoke to the skillet. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir well for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the vegetable or chicken broth, then the milk and heavy cream. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly. Season with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt and black pepper.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the cooked pasta, shredded smoked mozzarella, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese until everything is well combined and the cheese starts to melt.
- Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. If desired, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes for an extra crispy topping, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if using.
Notes
For a vegetarian dish, ensure you use vegetable broth. To make this dish gluten-free, use your favorite gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The smoked mozzarella is key for that 'smoky' flavor, but if unavailable, regular mozzarella will work, and you can increase the smoked paprika or liquid smoke. Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
