Name: French Onion Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) pasta (such as fettuccine or penne); 2 tablespoons butter; 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 2 teaspoons sugar; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option); 1 1/2 cups milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)

French Onion Pasta is a delicious twist on the classic French onion soup, offering a savory, comforting, and cheesy experience. With caramelized onions, rich broth, and melted cheese, this dish combines all the flavors of the soup you love with the heartiness of pasta. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish will leave you craving more.

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) pasta (such as fettuccine or penne)

2 tablespoons butter

4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

2 teaspoons sugar

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)

1 1/2 cups milk

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)

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

Directions

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sugar, stirring occasionally. Cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the onions are soft, golden, and caramelized.

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.

Sprinkle the flour over the onions, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flour to absorb the fat.

Slowly pour in the beef broth, milk, and heavy cream while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.

Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it to coat with the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb the flavors.

Sprinkle the grated Gruyère and Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and skip the Worcestershire sauce if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.

Cheese Swap: If Gruyère isn’t available, try swapping it for Swiss cheese, mozzarella, or even cheddar for a different flavor.

Add Protein: For a heartier dish, consider adding grilled chicken, sautéed mushrooms, or crispy bacon.

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir frequently to avoid burning the sauce.

FAQs

How do I prevent the onions from burning while caramelizing?

I recommend cooking the onions on medium heat and stirring them occasionally. If you find they’re browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly and add a tiny bit of water to help them soften without burning.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you prefer. Fettuccine or penne work great, but farfalle, rigatoni, or even spaghetti would be delicious as well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce and caramelize the onions ahead of time. Store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to serve. Then, just cook the pasta and combine everything.

Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?

If you like a bit of heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when seasoning the sauce. It’ll give the dish a nice kick!

Can I freeze French onion pasta?

While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the pasta and sauce separately for up to a month. Reheat thoroughly when ready to serve, and add a bit more cream or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary.

Conclusion

French Onion Pasta is a cozy, cheesy, and comforting dish that brings together the rich flavors of French onion soup with the heartiness of pasta. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether I’m cooking for family, friends, or just treating myself, this dish never disappoints. It’s an easy way to enjoy the essence of a classic soup in pasta form, and I know you’ll love it just as much as I do.

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