Description
French Onion Pasta is a rich, creamy dish inspired by French onion soup. It features caramelized onions, Gruyere cheese, and tender pasta cooked in a flavorful, herb-infused sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or serving to guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 large yellow onions, sliced into rings 1/8 inch thick
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Pinch to 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 5 1/2 cups water
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons beef bouillon
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 pound short cut pasta
- 5 ounces freshly shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Melt butter and olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions, salt, and pepper. Cook for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes; stir for 30 seconds.
- Stir in Worcestershire and soy sauce.
- Add water and half of the evaporated milk. Mix cornstarch with remaining evaporated milk and add to the pot.
- Bring to a boil and stir in beef bouillon, parsley, thyme, oregano, and paprika.
- Add pasta and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once pasta is tender and sauce has thickened, remove from heat.
- Stir in Gruyere cheese one handful at a time until melted.
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until fully melted. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar if Gruyere is unavailable.
- Vegetarian? Swap beef bouillon for vegetable bouillon.
- To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to keep it creamy.
- Great make-ahead dish — store without cheese, then reheat and add cheese before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: French onion pasta, creamy pasta, caramelized onions, Gruyere pasta, weeknight dinner, comfort food