Print

Creamy French Onion Pasta

creamy French onion pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

This creamy French onion pasta combines the rich, caramelized flavors of classic French onion soup with a silky, cheesy sauce and tender pasta. It’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing vegetarian dinner perfect for fall family gatherings or weeknight comfort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 3 cups/450g)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (or extra broth)
  • 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (or beef broth)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • 12 ounces pasta (fusilli, penne, or rigatoni)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (for pasta water)
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Extra black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Stir to coat. Cook, stirring every few minutes, for 25-30 minutes until onions are deep golden and jammy. If onions stick or brown too fast, add a splash of broth or lower the heat. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
  2. Pour in white wine and scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
  3. Add vegetable broth, heavy cream, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Stir and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let bubble for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (about 9-11 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  5. Add drained pasta to the skillet with the onion sauce. Toss gently to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed. Sprinkle in Gruyère and Parmesan, stirring until melted and creamy (1-2 minutes). Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. Spoon pasta into bowls. Top with extra cheese, fresh parsley, and black pepper. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best flavor, caramelize onions slowly over medium-low heat. Use short pasta shapes to hold the sauce. For a crispy topping, broil with extra cheese for 2-3 minutes. Easily adapted to gluten-free or dairy-free diets with pasta and cheese swaps. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of cream or milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: french onion pasta, creamy pasta, fall dinner, vegetarian pasta, caramelized onions, comfort food, easy weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/creamy-french-onion-pasta-recipe-easy-cozy-fall-dinner-for-families/