French Onion Soup Pasta Recipe
This French Onion Soup Pasta Recipe combines deeply caramelized onions, a rich creamy sauce, tender pasta, and a crispy golden breadcrumb topping. Inspired by the classic French soup, this baked pasta dish is cozy, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Equipment
- large skillet
- large pot
- baking sheet
- blender or food processor
- baking dish
Ingredients
- 300 g short pasta (cavatappi, penne, or fusilli)
- 5 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- olive oil, as needed
- 1/2 baguette, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for breadcrumbs)
- 1 tsp salt (for breadcrumbs)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Toss baguette slices with olive oil, salt, pepper, and oregano. Arrange on a baking sheet and toast for 7–10 minutes until lightly golden. Blend into fine crumbs and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook slowly for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized. Add sugar if using. Stir in beef broth and simmer until jammy and golden. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add heavy cream while whisking constantly. Stir in two-thirds of the caramelized onions, Parmesan, salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, nutmeg, and parsley.
- Cook pasta until just shy of al dente. Drain and combine with the creamy sauce until fully coated.
- Transfer to a baking dish. Top with remaining caramelized onions and prepared breadcrumbs.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly. Serve warm.
Notes
Use an oven-safe skillet or transfer to a baking dish before baking. Adjust spices to taste. For best results, caramelize onions slowly for deep flavor. Undercook pasta slightly before baking so it finishes perfectly in the oven. Leftovers reheat beautifully.