Irresistible French onion pasta Recipe

The deep, savory aroma of onions caramelizing slowly on the stove signals that something special is happening in my kitchen.

I combine those rich flavors with tender noodles to create this French onion pasta, a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

What Makes This French Onion Pasta So Special

You get all the complex, savory notes of the classic soup without needing hours of simmering time.

This French onion pasta comes together in a single pot, meaning cleanup takes almost no effort at all.

It strikes the perfect balance between sophisticated flavors and hearty comfort food.

If this dish hit the spot, you’ll want to try my Hearty Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe next, plus the Ultimate Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots Recipe delivers the same bold flavors.

Your French Onion Pasta Shopping List

Here is what you’ll need to gather from the pantry and fridge:

• Yellow Onions: You need large onions for this, as they shrink down significantly during cooking.
• Butter: Unsalted butter works best so you can control the sodium levels in the dish.
• Olive Oil: A splash helps prevent the butter from burning while the onions caramelize.
• Beef Broth: This provides the deep, rich color and savory base essential for the sauce.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: A small amount adds necessary acidity to balance the richness, replacing the wine often used in traditional recipes.
• Fresh Thyme: The earthy, floral notes of thyme pair perfectly with sweet onions.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Just a dash deepens the umami flavor profile.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves minced finely add an aromatic kick.
• Short Pasta: Shapes like fusilli, penne, or rigatoni hold the sauce beautifully.
• Heavy Cream: This creates the luxurious, velvety texture that coats every noodle.
• Gruyere Cheese: Its nutty, melting quality mimics the classic gratin topping.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty finish to round out the flavors.

Step-by-Step French Onion Pasta Instructions

Let’s get cooking with these simple steps:

1. Begin by melting the butter and olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and salt, stirring to coat them evenly in the fat. Cook the onions slowly for about 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn a deep, golden caramel color and smell incredibly sweet.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the apple cider vinegar to deglaze the pan, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom, as these contain massive amounts of flavor.
3. Add the beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, and dry pasta directly to the pot with the caramelized onions. Increase the heat to bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer. Let the pasta cook uncovered, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the noodles are al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
4. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to warm through and thicken slightly with the starchy pasta water. Remove the pot from the heat and fold in the grated Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses until they melt into a smooth, glossy sauce. Season with plenty of freshly cracked black pepper before serving immediately.

My Best Tips for Perfect French Onion Pasta

Patience is key when cooking the onions, as rushing them will result in burnt edges rather than that deep golden sweetness.

I always grate my cheese from a block for this French onion pasta to ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce.

Add a splash of extra beef broth if the sauce becomes too thick while the pasta finishes cooking.

How to Serve This French Onion Pasta

A crisp green salad with a sharp vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the creamy sauce perfectly.

I like to finish each bowl of French onion pasta with extra fresh thyme and cracked black pepper for a pop of color and spice.

Follow me on Pinterest for more cozy dinner inspiration and simple one-pot meals.

French Onion Pasta

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• Author: Amelia Bryan
• Total Time: 55 min
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Contains Dairy

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Description

A creamy, savory one-pot pasta dish featuring caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and melted Gruyere cheese, mimicking the classic soup flavors.

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Ingredients

• 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 12 oz short pasta (fusilli or penne)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Gruyere cheese, freshly grated
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large Dutch oven, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook for 25 minutes, stirring often, until deep golden brown.
2. Add garlic and thyme, cooking for 1 minute. Deglaze the pan with apple cider vinegar, scraping up browned bits.
3. Pour in beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, and pasta. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10-12 minutes until pasta is al dente and liquid is mostly absorbed.
4. Lower heat and stir in heavy cream. Remove from heat and fold in Gruyere and Parmesan until melted and creamy. Season with pepper.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for beef broth. If you don’t have Gruyere, Swiss cheese or mozzarella are good alternatives.

• Prep Time: 15 min
• Resting Time: 5 min
• Cook Time: 40 min
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: French-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: French onion pasta, one pot pasta, creamy beef pasta, caramelized onion recipe, cozy dinner