The Easy French Onion Pasta Recipe combines the rich, caramelized flavors of French onion soup with the comforting texture of pasta. Imagine tender onions slow-cooked until golden, simmered in a savory broth, and finished with Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses.
This dish transforms the classic flavors of the beloved soup into a creamy, cheesy pasta that’s perfect for cozy evenings or special gatherings. If you love hearty pasta recipes, this one is guaranteed to become a favorite.
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The Story Behind This Dish
From Soup to Pasta
French onion soup has been a comforting classic for generations, known for its deeply caramelized onions and melted cheese topping. This recipe captures those flavors but reinvents them into a pasta dish, combining the broth base, herbs, and cheese with short-cut pasta for a unique, filling dinner.
Why This Pasta Works
The onions provide sweetness, the Worcestershire and soy sauce add umami depth, and the Gruyere delivers nutty creaminess. Parmesan rounds out the flavor while fresh herbs brighten the dish. Together, they create a pasta that’s rich yet balanced.
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Easy French Onion Pasta Recipe
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Description
Easy French Onion Pasta combines caramelized onions, savory broth, herbs, and melted Gruyere and Parmesan for a rich, comforting pasta inspired by French onion soup.
Ingredients
For the Onions:
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 large yellow onions, sliced into thin rings
1/8 tsp each salt and pepper
For the Sauce:
4 garlic cloves, minced
Pinch–1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp reduced sodium soy sauce
5 1/2 cups water or beef broth
1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
1/2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp beef bouillon (omit if using full beef broth)
1 tbsp fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
2 tsp fresh thyme (or 3/4 tsp dried)
1/2 tsp each dried oregano, paprika, pepper
Add Last:
1 lb short-cut pasta (orecchiette recommended)
5 oz shredded Gruyere cheese
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Melt butter with olive oil in Dutch oven. Add onions, salt, and pepper. Cook 30–35 minutes until caramelized.
2. Add garlic, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire, and soy sauce. Cook 30 seconds.
3. Stir in water (or broth) and half the evaporated milk. Whisk cornstarch into remaining milk and add. Bring to boil.
4. Stir in bouillon, parsley, thyme, oregano, paprika, and pepper.
5. Add pasta and cook 20–25 minutes uncovered, stirring often, until al dente.
6. Remove from heat. Stir in Gruyere gradually, then Parmesan, until melted and smooth.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
For best results, grate cheeses fresh. Add extra milk or water for saucier pasta. Store leftovers 3–4 days in fridge and reheat with a splash of broth or milk.
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Nutrition
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Ingredients and Substitutions
For the Onions
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 large yellow onions, sliced into thin rings
- 1/8 tsp each salt and pepper
For the Sauce
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Pinch–1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce
- 5 1/2 cups water (or beef broth in place of water + omit bouillon)
- 1 12 oz. can evaporated milk
- 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons beef bouillon (omit if using full beef broth)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or ¾ tsp dried)
- 1/2 tsp each dried oregano, paprika, pepper
Add Last
- 1 pound short-cut pasta (orecchiette recommended)
- 5 oz. Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Notes
- Onions: Yellow onions caramelize beautifully, but sweet onions can also work.
- Cheese: Gruyere is traditional, but Swiss cheese or Fontina can be substituted.
- Liquid: For deeper flavor, substitute beef broth for water and skip bouillon.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Caramelizing the Onions
- Melt butter and olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add onions, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are caramelized and deep golden. Add more butter if needed to prevent scorching.
Building the Sauce
- Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire, and soy sauce. Cook for 30 seconds.
- Add water (or broth) and half the evaporated milk.
- Whisk cornstarch into the remaining evaporated milk, then add.
- Bring to a boil, then stir in bouillon, parsley, thyme, oregano, paprika, and pepper.
Cooking the Pasta in the Sauce
- Once boiling, add pasta directly to the pot.
- Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking.
- Add more water if needed; pasta should finish cooking in a slightly saucy broth.
Finishing With Cheese
- Remove from heat and stir in Gruyere gradually until melted.
- Add Parmesan and stir until smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Serving and Pairing Ideas
How to Serve
This pasta is rich and filling on its own but pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread. For an indulgent pasta night, serve alongside your High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe to offer both beefy and onion-forward dishes on the same table.
Drinks That Work
- A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc
- A light red wine like Pinot Noir
- Sparkling water with lemon
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in a sealed container for 3–4 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as cream sauces often separate when thawed.
Variations and Twists
- Meaty Version: Add browned ground beef or Italian sausage for extra protein.
- Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth and skip beef bouillon.
- Extra Cheesy: Stir in cream cheese for more richness.
- Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add fresh chili for heat.
FAQ Section
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, caramelize the onions and prepare the sauce, then finish with pasta and cheese just before serving.
Do I have to use Gruyere?
No, Swiss cheese or Fontina also melt well and taste great.
Why add soy sauce to French onion pasta?
Soy sauce enhances umami, deepening the savory flavor of the dish.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
It’s best to grate fresh cheese so it melts smoothly without clumping.
Conclusion
The Easy French Onion Pasta Recipe delivers all the cozy flavors of French onion soup in pasta form. With caramelized onions, herbs, and melted Gruyere, it’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for family dinners. Once you try it, it will become one of your go-to recipes for when you crave a creamy and savory pasta dish.
