Dinner

The BEST French Onion Pasta Recipe

Byanna orden February 2, 2026February 2, 2026

Introduction

French Onion Pasta brings the rich, comforting flavors of classic French onion soup to your dinner plate in a creamy, cheesy pasta dish. With caramelized onions and melted smoked gouda, it’s a perfect meal for cozy nights that impress with every bite.

A white bowl filled with short, wide pasta pieces that have ruffled edges and a light brown creamy sauce coating each piece. The sauce looks smooth and rich, and the pasta is sprinkled with small green herb leaves and crushed black pepper. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface next to a striped beige cloth and an onion in the bottom left corner, with a small sprig of fresh green herbs at the top right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 tbsp olive oil
3 yellow onions, thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh thyme (plus more for garnish)
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 tbsp dijon mustard
12 oz short pasta (such as gluten free malfada)
4 cups beef broth
1/2 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk)
1/2 cup shredded smoked gouda
1/2 cup shredded parmesan (plus more for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and caramelized, about 30-40 minutes.
Step 2: Add minced garlic, thyme, sea salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and add dijon mustard. Scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to deglaze, cooking for about 2 minutes.
Step 3: Add the pasta and beef broth to the skillet. Simmer on medium-high heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the broth is absorbed and the pasta is al dente. Add a little water if the broth evaporates too quickly.
Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream, smoked gouda, and parmesan. Simmer while stirring for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm, garnished with extra thyme and parmesan.

Tips & Variations

Use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
Adding a splash of balsamic vinegar during the caramelization step enhances sweetness and depth.
Try swapping smoked gouda for gruyere for a more traditional French onion flavor.
For a vegetarian option, substitute beef broth with rich vegetable broth.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if necessary. Avoid microwaving directly to preserve the creamy texture.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with two layers of wide, ruffled-edge pasta coated in a creamy, light beige sauce. The pasta is evenly covered, with visible seasoning of black pepper and small green herb leaves sprinkled on top. A silver fork rests on the right edge of the bowl, partly submerged in the pasta. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with a peeled onion at the bottom left corner and a small sprig of herbs near the top right. A striped cloth is softly placed behind the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli works well. Just adjust cooking time as needed according to the pasta type.

How do I know when the onions are properly caramelized?

The onions should be deeply golden brown and soft, releasing a sweet aroma. This process takes patience—cooking them slowly over medium heat ensures maximum flavor.