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French Onion Pasta Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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