Description
This French onion pasta recipe brings the comforting flavors of classic French onion soup to your dinner table. Caramelized onions, a rich cheese sauce, and tender pasta create a satisfying meal perfect for any night.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups Gruyère cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra cheese for serving
Instructions
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add sliced onions, salt, and pepper. Cook slowly for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown and sweet.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in white wine, scraping browned bits from the pan.
- Add beef broth and thyme. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water.
- Add heavy cream to the onion mixture and simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Gradually stir in Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.
- Stir in fresh parsley. Serve immediately, topped with extra cheese.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for beef broth and add mushroom powder.
- Use your favorite gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
- For a dairy-free alternative, use cashew cream and nutritional yeast.
- You can add crispy bacon, grilled chicken, or Italian sausage for extra protein.
- Swiss or aged cheddar cheese can be used as alternatives to Gruyère.
- A tablespoon of balsamic vinegar added during the last few minutes of onion caramelization adds depth.
- Stirring in a pat of cold butter just before serving creates a silkier sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg