Description
Rich French Onion Pasta with caramelized onions, creamy cheese sauce, and deep savory flavors. Classic French onion soup meets comforting pasta perfection.
Ingredients
1 pound penne or rigatoni pasta
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 cup dry white cooking broth
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ cup heavy cream
1 cup Gruyère cheese, freshly grated
½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
Instructions
1. Bring large pot of salted water to boil for pasta
2. Heat olive oil in large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat
3. Add sliced onions and cook 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown and caramelized
4. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant
5. Pour in beef broth and cooking broth, add thyme and bay leaf
6. Simmer 10 minutes to concentrate flavors
7. Cook pasta according to package directions until just shy of al dente
8. Reserve 1 cup pasta cooking water before draining
9. Add underdone pasta to onion mixture with ½ cup pasta water
10. Cook together 2-3 minutes until pasta finishes cooking and absorbs flavors
11. Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream
12. Gradually add grated cheeses, tossing constantly until melted and creamy
13. Add more pasta water as needed for silky consistency
14. Season with salt and pepper to taste
15. Serve immediately garnished with fresh thyme and extra cheese
Notes
Patience is key for proper onion caramelization – don’t rush this step
Use medium to medium-low heat to prevent burning
Reserve pasta water before draining – the starch helps bind the sauce
Add cheese off heat to prevent separation
Best served immediately while hot and creamy
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-Italian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: french onion pasta, caramelized onions, comfort food, pasta dinner