This is comfort food at its best. It's a perfect marriage of mac, cheese and French Onion soup, and makes a perfect, cozy dinner for the holidays.
1 lb. raw penne pasta
8 T. unsalted butter
4 c. yellow onion, sliced into 1/4-inch thick slices, then halved
1 t. kosher salt
1/2 t. freshly ground black pepper
1 T. granulated sugar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 c. sherry
3 T. all-purpose flour
3 c. beef broth/stock
2 t. fresh thyme, chopped
3 c. Swiss cheese, shredded, divided
1/4 c. freshly grated parmesan cheese plus more for garnish
1/4 c. plain panko breadcrumbs
Bring a large pot of well salted water to a boil. Add pasta; cook to al dente, according to package directions. Drain; set aside.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray; set aside.
Add butter to a large skillet over medium high heat; stir in onions, salt and pepper; cook 15 minutes, stirring often. Reduce heat to medium; add sugar and garlic; continue to cook for 10 more minutes;
add sherry; cook for 3 minutes or until just evaporated.
Stir in flour; cook, stirring constantly for 2 minutes. Slowly add beef broth/stock and thyme; bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Lower heat; let mixture simmer 5 minutes; remove from heat.
Mix in penne, 2 c. shredded Swiss cheese and the parmesan cheese; add to the prepared dish. Top with the remaining 1 c. shredded Swiss. Sprinkle with panko and 1-2 T. extra freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Bake 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned and bubbly.
8 servings.