French Onion Pasta

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large sweet onion (julienned)
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp granulated sugar (optional*)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 oz packet onion soup mix
• 2 cups chicken stock or beef stock
• 1 cup half & half
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups whole wheat penne pasta

Instructions

1. 1

   In a large non-stick pot or skillet, heat oil & add onion. Cook on medium-low heat for 10 minutes. Add kosher salt & sugar if desired, stir & continue cooking, uncovered, for another 20 minutes (30 minutes total) stirring every five to ten minutes. You will want to caramelize the onions LOW & SLOW. If they look dry at all, add a tablespoon or two of water occasionally. If the onions start to stick to your pan, add a little more olive oil.

2. 2

   After onions have reached a nice golden brown, add the minced garlic & stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add flour & onion soup mix to the onion mixture.

3. 3

   Start boiling water in a separate pot for the noodles. To the pot of onions: whisk in chicken stock slowly to prevent the flour from clumping. Keep heat on medium & wait for the mixture to bubble.

4. 4

   Add half & half, & let simmer while noodles cook according to directions on the package. (Mine said 10-12 minutes.) Don't let the mixture reach a rolling boil, just a light simmer. You don't want to evaporate all that yummy sauce you are making.

5. 5

   Once the noodles are cooked & drained, add them to the sauce mixture. The sauce should be thick enough to coat a spoon. Stir the noodles in the sauce & place in a 7x11" baking dish.

6. 6

   Sprinkle cheese over the top of the noodles. Heat cheese under the broiler in your oven until browned & bubbling. Serve & enjoy!