French Onion Pasta is a rich and savory dish that takes all the comforting flavors of classic French onion soup and combines them with creamy, cheesy pasta. With deeply caramelized onions, a luscious sauce, and melty Gruyère cheese, this dish is the ultimate comfort food for onion lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Captures the deep, caramelized flavors of French onion soup in a pasta dish
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with umami-rich goodness
Perfect for cozy dinners and easy to make in under 45 minutes
Uses simple pantry ingredients for an impressive meal
Customizable with different pasta shapes and cheese variations

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Unsalted butter
Olive oil
Yellow onions
Salt and black pepper
Sugar
Dried thyme
Dry white wine (optional)
Garlic
All-purpose flour
Beef or vegetable broth
Heavy cream
Pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
Gruyère cheese
Parmesan cheese
Fresh thyme or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Caramelize the onions: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions, salt, pepper, sugar, and dried thyme. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized.
Deglaze with wine (optional): Pour in the white wine and cook for another 2 minutes until reduced.
Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Make the sauce: Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir well. Slowly pour in the broth, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Stir in the heavy cream and let simmer on low heat.
Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and add to the skillet with the onion sauce.
Melt the cheese: Stir in the Gruyère and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and combined.
Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Variations

Make It Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Extra Creamy: Increase the heavy cream or add a bit of cream cheese.
Swap the Cheese: Try Swiss, mozzarella, or provolone for a different flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended, as the cream-based sauce may separate when thawed.
Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of onion?

Yes! Yellow onions work best, but white or sweet onions also caramelize beautifully.

What pasta shape works best?

Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli holds the sauce well, but spaghetti or fettuccine also work.

Do I have to use white wine?

No, you can skip it or substitute with a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for acidity.

How do I get perfectly caramelized onions?

Cook them low and slow, stirring occasionally. If they start to stick, add a splash of water or broth.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch.

What’s the best cheese substitute for Gruyère?

Swiss cheese, mozzarella, or provolone are good alternatives.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, but for the best texture, store the pasta and sauce separately, then reheat together before serving.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Let it simmer longer to reduce, or add a bit more cheese to help thicken it.

What can I serve with this pasta?

A side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly.

Is this similar to French onion soup?

Yes! It has the same deep caramelized onion flavors but in a creamy, cheesy pasta dish instead of a broth-based soup.

Conclusion

French Onion Pasta is a luxurious and comforting meal that brings together the best of French onion soup and creamy pasta. With rich caramelized onions, a velvety sauce, and plenty of cheese, it’s an irresistible dish for any pasta lover. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress!

French Onion Pasta

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Author: sara
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This French Onion Pasta takes the rich, caramelized flavors of French onion soup and combines them with creamy, cheesy pasta for the ultimate comfort food. Made with slow-cooked onions, Gruyère cheese, and a savory broth, this dish is decadent, cozy, and perfect for a satisfying dinner.

Instructions

Caramelize the Onions:
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions, salt, pepper, sugar, and dried thyme.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes, until onions are deep golden brown.
Deglaze & Build the Sauce:
- Pour in white wine (if using) and cook for 2 minutes until reduced.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over the onions, stirring to coat.
- Gradually pour in broth, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Add heavy cream and let it simmer on low heat.
Cook the Pasta:
- While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and add pasta directly to the onion sauce.
Add the Cheese:
- Stir in Gruyère and Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
Serve & Garnish:
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Notes

For extra richness, use beef broth instead of vegetable broth.
Make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth and swapping Gruyère for a plant-based cheese.
For a crispy topping, broil the pasta with extra cheese for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute flour with cornstarch.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: French-Inspired