Bring the cozy, rich flavors of classic French onion soup into a quick, comforting pasta dish with this French Onion Pasta. Caramelized onions, savory garlic, and a touch of thyme coat tender pasta in a deliciously flavorful sauce, topped with melted cheese for the ultimate indulgence. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy meal at home.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) pasta of your choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups (360ml) vegetable or beef broth
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk or cream
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese, plus extra for topping
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta – Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Caramelize Onions – In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and salt, cooking slowly for 15–20 minutes until golden brown and caramelized. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add Garlic & Thyme – Stir in garlic and thyme, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make Sauce – Sprinkle flour over onions and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in broth and milk/cream, bringing to a simmer. Cook until slightly thickened (~3–5 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine Pasta & Sauce – Toss cooked pasta in the onion sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to coat pasta evenly.
- Add Cheese – Stir in Gruyère or Swiss cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve – Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese and fresh parsley. Optional: toast a slice of baguette and place on top for a French onion-inspired touch.
Tips & Variations
- Make it Vegan: Use plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and vegan cheese.
- Add Protein: Top with cooked chicken, sausage, or sautéed mushrooms.
- Extra Flavor: Deglaze the onions with 1/4 cup white wine before adding the flour and broth.
- Cheesy Topping: Place the pasta in an oven-safe dish, sprinkle extra cheese, and broil for 2–3 minutes for a gratin-style finish.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
- Pair with crusty bread for soaking up the savory sauce.
- Perfect as a hearty weeknight dinner or comfort food lunch.
FAQs
Can I use other types of onions?
Yes! Yellow onions are ideal for sweetness, but red onions or sweet onions also work.
Can I make this ahead?
Prepare onions and sauce ahead, then reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
Can I freeze it?
It’s best fresh, as the creamy sauce may separate when frozen.
Nutrition (Approx. per serving, 4 servings)
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 14g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbs: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
French Onion Pasta Recipe
4
servings30
minutes40
minutesIngredients
12 oz (340 g) pasta of your choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne work well)
3 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp olive oil
4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp sugar (optional, for faster caramelization)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves)
1/2 cup dry white wine or vegetable broth
1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese (optional)
Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish
Directions
- Cook Pasta – Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Caramelize Onions – In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and salt, cooking slowly for 15–20 minutes until golden brown and caramelized. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add Garlic & Thyme – Stir in garlic and thyme, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make Sauce – Sprinkle flour over onions and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in broth and milk/cream, bringing to a simmer. Cook until slightly thickened (~3–5 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine Pasta & Sauce – Toss cooked pasta in the onion sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to coat pasta evenly.
- Add Cheese – Stir in Gruyère or Swiss cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve – Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese and fresh parsley. Optional: toast a slice of baguette and place on top for a French onion-inspired touch.
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