Discover rich and savory French Onion Pasta that’s easy to make and perfect for any night. Enjoy this comforting twist on a classic favorite.
Why You’ll Love It
French Onion Pasta offers the perfect blend of rich, caramelized onions and melty cheese, transforming simple ingredients into an indulgent, comforting meal. This dish captures the essence of classic French onion soup but in a quicker, pasta form that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals. Its savory depth and creamy texture make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 400g pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or your favorite type)
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (substitute sweet onions if preferred)
- 3 tbsp butter (use vegan butter for dairy-free version)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth (vegetable broth for vegan)
- 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese (swap with dairy-free cheese for dairy-free option)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
- While pasta cooks, heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and stir frequently. Cook slowly until the onions are caramelized and golden brown, about 30 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and thyme to the onions; sauté for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the broth. Simmer the mixture, allowing the broth to reduce slightly and intensify in flavor, about 10 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it well with the onion sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water for creaminess.
- Sprinkle Gruyère and Parmesan cheese into the skillet. Stir until cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy and well combined.
- Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
For more comforting recipes, check out Easy Weeknight Dinners and Creamy Pasta Dishes on our site. Also, consider learning more about the cultural background of French onion dishes on Food Network.
Expert Tips
To get the best caramelized onions, be patient and keep the heat medium to low to prevent burning. Stir often but allow them to brown gradually. If you want extra depth, add a splash of white wine or sherry during the broth simmer step. For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free pasta. To make ahead, prepare the onion base and broth sauce in advance; add pasta and cheese just before serving.
Storage
Store any leftover French Onion Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to restore creaminess. It can also be frozen for up to 1 month, though fresh pasta texture may slightly change upon thawing.
Variations
- Vegan: Use vegan butter, vegetable broth, and dairy-free cheeses or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free and vegan-friendly pasta.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute standard pasta with gluten-free pasta options.
- Dairy-Free: Use olive oil instead of butter and skip or replace cheese with dairy-free alternatives.
- Refined Sugar-Free: This recipe naturally contains no refined sugar; ensure broth and cheese products also comply.
FAQ
- What kind of onions work best for French Onion Pasta? Yellow onions are ideal for their balance of sweetness and sharpness, but sweet onions also work well.
- Can I make French Onion Pasta ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the onion sauce a day ahead and combine with freshly cooked pasta before serving.
- Is French Onion Pasta vegetarian? It can be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth and omitting any meat-based ingredients.
- How do I prevent the pasta from drying out? Toss the pasta with broth or reserved pasta water and cheese right before serving to keep it moist.
- Can I use other types of cheese? Yes, Swiss or mozzarella can be used, though Gruyère and Parmesan provide the classic flavor.
- How do I make classic French Onion Pasta? This recipe incorporates the rich, caramelized onion flavor and creamy cheese sauce essential to French Onion Pasta.
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