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French Onion Pasta

French Onion Pasta
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French Onion Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together caramelized onions, savory broth, melted cheese, and tender pasta. It combines the rich taste of classic French onion soup with the simplicity of a pasta meal, perfect for easy weeknight dinners or special occasions. This one-pot recipe is easy to make, versatile, and delivers layers of deep, savory flavors with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 12 oz pasta (such as fettuccine or spaghetti)
  • 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Slice the yellow onions thinly. In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and a pinch of salt, then stir occasionally for 25-30 minutes until the onions turn a rich golden brown and develop deep sweetness.
  2. Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Pour in the Broth and Simmer: Add beef or vegetable broth to the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook until slightly reduced to intensify the savory flavors.
  4. Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later if needed.
  5. Combine and Melt Cheese: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the onion broth mixture. Toss gently to coat the pasta. Gradually stir in the shredded Gruyère cheese until melted and creamy. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
  6. Season and Serve: Finish by seasoning with freshly ground black pepper and salt as needed. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs.

Notes

  • Caramelize onions slowly over medium-low heat for the best flavor and depth.
  • Reserve pasta water to help loosen the sauce and ensure it binds evenly to the noodles.
  • Gruyère cheese provides the best melt and flavor, but Swiss or fontina can be good alternatives.
  • Don’t skip thyme as it adds authentic herbal notes that greatly enhance the dish.
  • Use a wide pan to help with even mixing and cooking of the pasta and sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: French Onion Pasta, caramelized onion pasta, cheesy pasta, one-pot pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/french-onion-pasta/