Apple Cider Caramelized Onion Pasta with Cheddar
This creamy apple cider caramelized onion pasta with cheddar tastes like fall in a bowl — rich, savory, and slightly sweet with cozy French onion vibes.
Ingredients
- 12 oz Trader Joe’s fusilli pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 large yellow onions thinly sliced
- ½ cup apple cider not vinegar
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves or ½ tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese shredded
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Optional: crispy bacon or pancetta for topping
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fusilli until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Caramelize the Onions
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook low and slow (20–25 minutes), stirring occasionally, until they’re golden brown and jammy.
Add the Cider
- Pour in apple cider, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced and glossy.
Build the Sauce
- Stir in thyme, Dijon mustard, and cream. Lower the heat and add shredded cheddar. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Toss Everything Together
- Add cooked fusilli to the skillet and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Season with salt and plenty of black pepper.
Finish and Serve
- Top with extra cheddar or crispy bacon if desired. Serve warm and watch everyone go for seconds.