French Onion Pasta

🍽️ Introduction

Craving the rich, comforting flavors of French onion soup but want a quick, satisfying pasta dish? This French Onion Pasta delivers that deep caramelized onion flavor, creamy cheesy sauce, and tender pasta all in one bowl. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, this recipe elevates simple ingredients into an elegant meal everyone will love.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
• 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Caramelize Onions:
   While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until deep golden and caramelized, about 25–30 minutes. Lower heat if onions start browning too fast.
3. Add Garlic:
   Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
4. Make the Sauce:
   Sprinkle flour over the onions, stirring well to coat. Cook for 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
5. Add Broth & Thyme:
   Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add thyme and simmer until sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
6. Combine Pasta & Cheese:
   Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Stir in Gruyère and half of the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
7. Season & Serve:
   Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve topped with the remaining Parmesan and chopped parsley.

💡 Tips & Variations

• Take your time caramelizing onions slowly for best flavor.
• Use vegetable broth and vegetarian cheese for a meatless version.
• Add crispy bacon or sautéed mushrooms for extra richness.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and flour.

🥡 Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or in the microwave.