How to make French Onion Pasta

Johanon

This French Onion Pasta combines the rich, caramelized flavors of French onion soup with hearty pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal. Topped with melted Gruyère cheese and fresh parsley, this dish is perfect for dinner parties, date nights, or a cozy evening in.

Cinnamon tea

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich Flavor: Caramelized onions, white wine, and beef broth create a deep, savory base.
  • Comfort Food Classic: Combines the best of French onion soup with pasta for a new twist.
  • Versatile: Perfect as a main dish or a decadent side for roasted meats.

Ingredients

  • 3 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup white wine
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 12 ounces pasta (fusilli or campanelle are great choices)
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

  1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt, stirring to coat the onions in butter.
  3. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes until they are golden brown and deeply caramelized.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Deglaze with Wine

  1. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  3. Let the wine reduce until almost evaporated, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Broth

  1. Add the beef broth, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot.
  2. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for an additional 10 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the broth simmers, cook the pasta according to the package instructio ns until al dente.

  1. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Broth

  1. Remove the bay leaf from the broth.
  2. Stir the cooked pasta into the pot with the onion broth mixture.
  3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Add  Cheese and Garnish

  1. Serve the pasta in bowls and top each portion with shredded Gruyère cheese.
  2. For an extra touch, broil the dish briefly to melt and lightly brown the cheese.
  3. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips for Perfect French Onion Pasta

  1. Patience with Onions: Caramelizing onions takes time but creates the rich flavor base. Don’t rush this step.
  2. Choose the Right Wine: Use a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for the best flavor.
  3. Experiment with Cheese: Swap Gruyère with Swiss or Fontina for a slightly different taste.
  4. Make Ahead: Caramelize the onions and prepare the broth in advance to save time.

Why This Recipe Works

The slow caramelization of onions adds a deep, sweet-savory flavor, while the beef broth and white wine create a luxurious sauce. The melted Gruyère cheese ties it all together, making this dish a comforting fusion of pasta and French onion soup.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with a crisp green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
  • Serve alongside roasted chicken or steak for an elegant dinner.

Conclusion

This French Onion Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish, combining the rich flavors of caramelized onions, hearty pasta, and melted cheese. Whether for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.