French Onion Pasta

by

Here’s a rich and flavorful recipe for French Onion Pasta that combines the caramelized goodness of French onion soup with creamy pasta:

French Onion Pasta

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz (340 g) pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne work well)
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp sugar (optional, for quicker caramelization)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup dry white wine (optional, or use chicken/vegetable broth)
  • 1 cup beef broth (or substitute with vegetable broth)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese (plus extra for topping)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Pasta
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  2. Caramelize the Onions
    In a large skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, salt, and sugar (if using). Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20–25 minutes, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. Reduce the heat if they start to brown too quickly.
  3. Add Garlic and Deglaze
    Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with white wine (or broth), scraping up any browned bits, and cook for 2–3 minutes until reduced slightly.
  4. Make the Sauce
    Add the beef broth and thyme to the skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Stir in the Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce
    Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  6. Serve
    Garnish with fresh parsley and additional grated Gruyère. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips:

  • Protein Additions: Add sliced chicken, sautéed mushrooms, or cooked bacon for extra heartiness.
  • Broth Choice: Beef broth gives it the classic French onion flavor, but vegetable broth works for a vegetarian option.
  • Bread Crumb Topping: For an extra touch, sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs on top and broil until golden.

Let me know if you’d like a printable version!

Leave a Comment