Okay, picture this: What is this It’s a chilly evening, you’re craving something warm and comforting, but you are absolutely not in the mood for it. I’m in the mood to spend hours slaving away in my kitchen. What is French Onion Pasta? What is the love child of French Onion Soup and creamy pasta? What is the onion flavor? Is it easier to Make mac and cheese from scratch? My family begs me to make this at least once a month!
What is French onion pasta?
What is French onion pasta? What are the best parts of French Onion Soup? Instead of floating croutons in soup, we’re twirling it. All around perfectly cooked pasta! It’s essentially a creamy pasta dish infused with the deep, complex flavors of slowly caramelized onions. Is it possible to deglazed onions with a splash of wine? ), and finished with a generous sprinkle of Gruyère or Parmesan cheese. Think of it as a sophisticated, yet totally approachable, weeknight dinner.
Why do I love this recipe?
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this French Onion Pasta, but let’s start with the most obvious: the flavor! The caramelized onions create a depth of flavor that’s just incredible – sweet, savory, and slightly tangy all at the same time. It’s a flavor explosion! What I love most about this is how surprisingly easy it is to make. Seriously, once you get the onions going, the rest is a breeze. It’s also incredibly cost-effective. Onions are cheap, pasta is cheap, and you probably already have most of the other ingredients in your pantry. Plus, it’s versatile! You can easily add protein like shredded chicken or cooked sausage, or sneak in some veggies like spinach or mushrooms.
And it is seriously better than some restaurant versions I’ve tried. One time, I ordered French onion soup at a fancy restaurant, and honestly, it wasn’t nearly as good as my homemade French Onion Pasta. My family’s been obsessed with this dish for years, and I promise, you’ll be too. It’s the ultimate comfort food, and it’s surprisingly elegant at the same time. I even tested it with a little bit of Cream Cheese one time, and it made it extra decadent! This is a go-to for any busy weeknight or special occasion.
How do I make French onion paste?
Quick Overview
How do I make French Onion paste? What is the key to caramelizing onions? What is hands-off time? You’ll just be stirring them occasionally while you prep the other ingredients. Once the onions are ready, you’ll deglaze the pan, add cream, cheese, and pasta. What is a simple one-pot wonder that will be on your table in less than an hour? Is the aroma worth the effort?
Ingredients
For the Caramelized Onions:
* 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
* 1 teaspoon sugar (helps with caramelization)
For the Pasta:
* 1 pound pasta (I love using penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
* 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
* 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with more broth) * 1/4 cup black wine.
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese (or Parmesan), plus more for serving.
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish.
How do I get started
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add the sliced onions, salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir to coat. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 45-60 minutes, or until the onions are tender. Remove from heat and set aside. Deep caramelized and a rich golden-brown color. What is the best way to make a Sweet Potato?
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While onions are caramelizing, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. What is the best way to drain pasta water? The pasta water has starch and will help thicken the sauce. Set the pasta aside.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pan
Once the onions are caramelized, add the white wine (if using) or additional broth to the pot. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – this adds tons of flavor! Let the wine reduce slightly for a minute or two.
Step 4: Add Broth and Cream
Pour in the remaining broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer for about 5-10 minutes, or until it has slightly thickened.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the pot with the sauce. Toss to coat well. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. I always start with a quarter cup, then add more if needed.
Step 6: Add Cheese
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Where do you get to customize the flavor to your liking?
Step 7: Serve
Serve the French Onion Pasta immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra grated cheese. What are some ways to add freshly cracked black pepper to a dish? I love serving this with a side of crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. I once forgot the parsley, and my daughter said it looked “naked”! So don’t forget the garnish!
What should I serve it with?
What is a good French Onion pasta dish? What are some of the best side dishesFor a light lunch:What is a good green salad with lemon vinaigrette? What is the acidity of vinaigrette? I like to add some crumbled goat cheese to my salad for extra flavor.What is a hearty dinner?Serve with roasted chicken or grilled steak. The caramelized onions in the pasta will complement the savory flavors of the meat. I made a balsamic glazed steak to go with it and it was delicious!What is a Vegetarian meal?Add some roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts. What are some vegetables that add fiber to a meal? I once accidentally added some roasted garlic to the onions, and it made the dish even more delicious. What are some good ways to soak up the sauce? I like to toast mine with garlic butter. What is the best way to serve pasta with it?
How do I make French onion paste?
How can I make the best French ever? What is the best onion paste recipe?Onion Prep:How do you caramelize onions? How do I make them cook at the same rate and caramelize evenly? I use a mandoline slicer to get them super thin and uniform, but I also like to use sharp knife. If your slices are uneven, some might burn while others are still undercooked.Low and Slow:Don’t rush the caramelization process! Cook onions over low heat for a long time – at least 45 minutes, but even longer if you have the time. How will they break down and release their natural sugars, resulting in a deep, dark skin. I once tried to speed up the process by turning up heat, and it was a disaster! What can I learn from my mistakes?Deglazing the Pan: What areDon’t skip this step! Deglazing the pan with wine (or broth) is crucial for adding depth of flavor to the sauce. What are the browned bits on the bottom of a pot?Cheese Choice:What is the best Gruyère cheese for French onion soup? If you don’t have Gruyère, Parmesan cheese is a good substitute. Can you use a combination of both? I’ve also experimented with using other cheeses like fontina and provolone, and they all work well.Spice it Up: Add a pinch of Red Pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick. Or, try adding a splash of hot sauce for even more heat. I like to add a few dashes of Tabasco to mine. It adds a subtle warmth that really enhances the flavor.
Herb it Up: Fresh thyme is a classic addition to French onion soup, and it’s also delicious in this pasta dish. Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme to the pot while the onions are caramelizing, or sprinkle some chopped fresh thyme over the finished dish. One time, I accidentally used rosemary instead of thyme, and it was surprisingly good!
Wine Choice: A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works best for deglazing the pan. But if you don’t have any white wine on hand, you can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth. I’ve even used a splash of apple cider vinegar in a pinch, and it worked surprisingly well!
Adding protein: This is a pretty hearty dish, but sometimes, I want to add some extra protein to it. You can add shredded chicken, cooked sausage, or even some crispy bacon. I like to add the protein after the sauce has simmered, right before adding the pasta. It helps to keep the protein from drying out.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This French Onion Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Room Temperature: I really wouldn’t recommend leaving the pasta at room temperature for more than two hours as it’s a dairy-based dish and could go bad.
Refrigerator Storage: The pasta will store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it from drying out. The flavor gets better the next day!
Freezer Instructions: While you can freeze this pasta, I don’t recommend it. The sauce may separate and become grainy when thawed. If you do choose to freeze it, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Glaze Timing Advice: This recipe doesn’t have a glaze, but if you want to add one, I recommend adding it just before serving. This will keep it from becoming soggy or melting during storage.
Reheating Instructions: To reheat, simply microwave the pasta for a few minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a little bit of broth or water to keep it from drying out. I usually add a pat of butter to the pan as well – it helps to keep the pasta creamy and prevents it from sticking. Avoid reheating multiple times!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my family’s favorite French Onion Pasta recipe! I hope you’ll give it a try and let me know what you think. It’s the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. If you’re a fan of French onion soup, you’re going to absolutely love this pasta dish. And if you’re looking for more delicious pasta recipes, be sure to check out my other posts! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave me a comment below and let me know what you think. And don’t forget to rate this recipe if you enjoyed it!
How to Make French Onion Pasta: 7 Tips for a Perfect Dish
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Yellow Onions thinly sliced
- 4 tbsp Butter
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 lb Pasta such as linguine or spaghetti
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 0.5 cup Gruyere Cheese shredded
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized, about 30-40 minutes. Stir in sugar, salt, and pepper during the last 10 minutes.
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet with caramelized onions. Pour in heavy cream and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Stir in Gruyere cheese until melted and creamy. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
