Why Make This Recipe
French Onion Pasta takes the classic flavors of French onion soup and turns them into a delicious and comforting pasta dish. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or impressing your family and friends. With its creamy texture and rich onion flavor, it brings together the best of both worlds—a warm bowl of pasta and the savory taste of caramelized onions. Plus, it’s quite simple to prepare!
How to Make French Onion Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (such as fettuccine or penne)
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the onions and cook until caramelized, about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the beef broth and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, and toss to combine.
- Stir in the Gruyère cheese until melted.
- Transfer to a baking dish, top with Parmesan cheese, and broil until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
How to Serve French Onion Pasta
Serve French Onion Pasta hot from the oven for a delightful meal. It pairs nicely with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle additional cheese on top or add some extra herbs for flavor.
How to Store French Onion Pasta
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Tips to Make French Onion Pasta
- For deeper flavor, use a mix of yellow and red onions when caramelizing.
- Be patient while caramelizing the onions; slower cooking brings out more sweetness.
- Don’t rush the cheese melting process, as it adds to the creamy texture of the dish.
Variation
You can make this dish vegetarian by substituting vegetable broth for beef broth. Additionally, using a different cheese like fontina or mozzarella can change the taste while still keeping it creamy.
FAQs
How can I make the onions caramelize faster?
While it takes time to caramelize onions properly, making sure your pan is hot enough and keeping them evenly spaced can help. Adding a pinch of salt can also speed up the process.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta of your choice! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta used.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pasta and sauce in advance. Just mix them together and bake just before serving.
French Onion Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (such as fettuccine or penne)
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth Can be substituted with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese Other cheese options include fontina or mozzarella.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
Cooking
- Add the onions and cook until caramelized, about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the beef broth and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, and toss to combine.
- Stir in the Gruyère cheese until melted.
- Transfer to a baking dish, top with Parmesan cheese, and broil until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.