French Onion Pasta Recipe

Introduction

French Onion Pasta is a comforting twist on the classic French onion soup, combining rich caramelized onions with savory beef broth and melted cheese over tender pasta. This easy recipe brings together bold flavors in a cozy, satisfying dish perfect for any weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta (such as spaghetti or fettuccine)
• 3 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup shredded cheese (Gruyère or Swiss recommended)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 25–30 minutes.
3. Step 3: Pour the beef broth into the caramelized onions and simmer for 5 minutes to combine the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Step 4: Toss the drained pasta in the onion and broth mixture, mixing well so the pasta is coated with the sauce.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
6. Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth.
• Use a high-quality cheese like Gruyère for authentic flavor and a great melt.
• Adding a splash of white wine to the onions as they caramelize adds depth to the sauce.
• Top with fresh thyme or parsley for a bright herbal note.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works well with many types of pasta such as penne, rigatoni, or even egg noodles. Choose your favorite shape for the best texture.

How do I prevent the onions from burning?

Cook the onions slowly over medium or medium-low heat and stir occasionally. Adding a bit of butter or oil helps prevent sticking and promotes even caramelization without burning.

French Onion Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 108 reviews

A comforting French Onion Pasta that combines rich caramelized onions and savory beef broth with tender pasta, topped with melted cheese for a hearty, flavorful dish inspired by classic French onion soup.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: French

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz pasta (such as spaghetti or fettuccine)

For the Onion Sauce:

• 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For Topping:

• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese or Swiss cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet or pan, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they are deep golden brown and caramelized, about 25-30 minutes. Be patient and avoid rushing to ensure maximum sweetness and flavor.
3. Make the Onion Sauce: Once the onions are caramelized, add the beef broth and thyme to the pan. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce slightly. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet with the onion sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta in the rich sauce, ensuring every strand is flavored.
5. Add Cheese and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle shredded Gruyère cheese over the pasta, and gently toss or fold to allow the cheese to melt into the sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• Use low-sodium beef broth to better control the salt content of the dish.
• The longer you caramelize the onions, the deeper the flavor; patience is key.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with mushroom or vegetable broth and use a vegetarian cheese.
• Gruyère cheese melts beautifully and adds a nutty, rich flavor, but Swiss cheese works well as an alternative.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: French Onion Pasta, caramelized onion pasta, beef broth pasta, comfort food, savory pasta dish