French Onion Pasta brings all the deep, savory comfort of classic French onion soup into a rich, creamy pasta dish that feels both indulgent and approachable. Slowly caramelized onions, a silky broth-based sauce, and melty cheese coat every strand of pasta, creating a cozy dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed gatherings. This dish delivers bold flavor without complicated steps—and it’s guaranteed to satisfy.
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Ingredients
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
- 1½ cups shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish
Instructions for French Onion Pasta
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Heat olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring frequently, for 20–25 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized.
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Step 2: Build the Sauce
Increase heat to medium. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds. Pour in white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, bay leaf, and thyme. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Create Creaminess
Whisk cornstarch into evaporated milk, then add to the skillet. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Step 4: Add the Pasta
Cook pasta separately until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then add drained pasta to the sauce. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water as needed for a silky texture.
Step 5: Cheese & Broil
Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the pasta. Transfer skillet to the broiler and cook for 2–4 minutes until bubbly and golden.
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Step 6: Serve
Remove bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately.
Pro Tips
- Caramelize onions slowly for the best depth of flavor
- Use freshly grated cheese for smoother melting
- Keep heat gentle once dairy is added
- Short pasta shapes hold the sauce beautifully
- A splash of pasta water restores creaminess when reheating
Why This Recipe Works
- Deep caramelized onions deliver rich, savory flavor
- Evaporated milk creates creaminess without heaviness
- Broiled cheese adds irresistible texture
- One-pan finishing keeps cleanup minimal
- Balanced seasoning enhances natural sweetness
Substitutions & Variations
- Mushroom Addition: Sauté sliced mushrooms with onions
- Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken or sausage
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based cream and vegan cheese
- Herb Swap: Rosemary or sage works well
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide
- Make-Ahead: Prepare sauce up to 2 days in advance
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop with broth or milk
- Freezing: Freeze sauce only (without pasta) for up to 1 month
Serving Ideas for French Onion Pasta
- Serve with a crisp green salad
- Pair with crusty artisan bread
- Add roasted vegetables for balance
- Enjoy with a light red or dry white wine
Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)
- Calories: ~560
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: Moderate
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are caramelized onions essential?
They create the deep, sweet-savory flavor that defines this dish.
Can I skip the broiler step?
Yes, stirring cheese directly into the sauce will still create a creamy result.
What can replace white wine?
Extra broth with a small splash of vinegar works well.
How do I prevent curdling?
Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer and avoid high heat after adding dairy.
Can this be made vegan?
Yes, use plant-based butter, broth, cream, and cheese.
French Onion Pasta is the perfect blend of elegance and comfort. With rich caramelized onions, creamy sauce, and melty cheese, it transforms simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying meal. Whether for a cozy night in or a casual dinner with friends, this recipe delivers warmth in every bite.
French Onion Pasta
Equipment
- large oven-safe skillet
- wooden spoon
- pasta pot
- Whisk
- broiler
Ingredients
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 0.5 cup dry white wine
- 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
- 1.5 cups shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese
- salt and black pepper, to taste
- fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions with a pinch of salt and cook, stirring often, until deeply golden and caramelized.
- Increase heat to medium. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook briefly. Deglaze with white wine, scraping up browned bits, then add broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, bay leaf, and thyme. Simmer.
- Whisk cornstarch into evaporated milk and stir into the skillet. Simmer gently until slightly thickened.
- Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve some pasta water, then add pasta to the sauce and toss, loosening with pasta water as needed.
- Top evenly with shredded cheese and broil until melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Remove bay leaf and thyme. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately.
Notes
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