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French Onion Pasta

French Onion Pasta
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French Onion Pasta is a cozy and indulgent meal that marries the rich, caramelized flavors of classic French onion soup with the ease and comfort of a hearty pasta dish. Made from simple pantry staples like yellow onions, broth, garlic, and melted Gruyere cheese, it delivers a deep, savory taste that’s perfect for warming up on a chilly night or impressing guests with a unique pasta twist. This comforting one-pot recipe is vegetarian-friendly, customizable, and approachable for cooks of all levels.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2–3 fresh thyme sprigs
  • Optional: sautéed cremini or shiitake mushrooms (1 cup)

Fats

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil for vegan option)

Liquids

  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or vegetable broth (for deglazing)
  • 4 cups beef broth or vegetable broth

Pasta and Cheese

  • 12 ounces pasta of choice (fettuccine, linguine, spaghetti, or gluten-free alternative)
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese (or vegan cheese alternative)

Seasonings and Garnishes

  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional crispy baguette crumbs for topping
  • Optional fresh parsley or thyme leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the onions: Thinly slice the yellow onions. In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add onions and a pinch of salt, cooking slowly and stirring occasionally until onions are golden brown, sweet, and soft, about 25-30 minutes.
  2. Add garlic and deglaze: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in white wine or vegetable broth to deglaze, scraping the browned bits from the pan. Let liquid reduce for a few minutes to intensify flavor.
  3. Pour in broth and simmer: Add beef or vegetable broth and fresh thyme sprigs. Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
  5. Combine pasta and sauce: Toss hot pasta into the skillet with the onion sauce. Stir in shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese until melted and well combined. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to desired consistency.
  6. Serve and garnish: Transfer pasta to serving bowls. Sprinkle with extra cheese, fresh thyme or parsley leaves, and optional crispy baguette crumbs. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

  • Slow caramelization of onions is crucial for deep flavor; do not rush this step.
  • Use high-quality broth for the best taste.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency without watering it down.
  • Gruyere cheese melts beautifully and imparts authentic French onion soup flavors.
  • Add fresh herbs last to preserve their brightness and avoid bitterness.
  • To make vegan, substitute butter with olive oil, use vegetable broth, and vegan cheese alternatives.
  • For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta varieties such as rice, corn, or chickpea-based noodles.

Nutrition

Keywords: French Onion Pasta, caramelized onion pasta, vegetarian pasta, comfort food, French onion soup, easy pasta recipe, cozy dinner

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/french-onion-pasta/