Description
French Onion Pasta is a comforting and savory dish that combines the rich, caramelized flavors of onions with creamy cheese and perfectly cooked pasta. Inspired by classic French onion soup, this recipe transforms those bold flavors into a luscious pasta experience, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine or rigatoni)
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ cup dry white wine (or vegetable broth)
- 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
For the Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Caramelize the Onions: While the pasta cooks, heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions along with salt, pepper, and sugar. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 20 to 25 minutes until they turn deeply golden and caramelized.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme, cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, enhancing the depth of flavor.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine or vegetable broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Combine Broth and Simmer: Add the beef or vegetable broth to the skillet and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until it reduces slightly and intensifies in flavor.
- Incorporate Cream and Pasta: Stir in the heavy cream, then add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy onion sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Add Cheese and Finish: Turn off the heat, then stir in the shredded Gruyère and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes melted, creamy, and smooth.
- Serve: Divide the pasta among plates or bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious French Onion Pasta.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and either omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a vegetarian-friendly alternative.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables to balance richness.
- Leftovers can be reheated gently with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
