Description

This French Onion Pasta is a rich and comforting dish that combines the deep, caramelized flavors of slow-cooked onions with creamy cheeses and tender pasta. It features a savory broth-based sauce enhanced with white wine, garlic, and thyme, creating a deliciously indulgent meal that brings the classic French onion soup experience to your pasta bowl. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe is easy to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

For the French Onion Base

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

For the Pasta

12 oz short pasta (gluten-free malfada recommended)
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

Caramelize Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and stir frequently, cooking for about 30-40 minutes until they are deeply browned and caramelized, which brings out their natural sweetness and flavor.
Add Aromatics and Deglaze: Stir in minced garlic, fresh thyme, sea salt, and ground black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant. Then add the dry white wine and dijon mustard, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to deglaze and lift any flavorful browned bits, cooking for another 2 minutes.
Cook Pasta in Broth: Add the short pasta and beef broth to the skillet. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook for 10-15 minutes until most of the broth is absorbed and the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a little water if the broth evaporates too quickly before the pasta is fully cooked.
Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, shredded smoked gouda, and shredded parmesan. Continue to simmer and stir for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts completely, creating a creamy and flavorful sauce coating the pasta.
Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve warm, garnished with extra fresh thyme and additional parmesan if desired.

Notes

Slow caramelization of the onions is key to develop deep, sweet flavor—do not rush this step.
You can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option, but it will slightly change the flavor.
Use a good quality beef broth for the best savory taste; homemade broth works great.
If using gluten-free pasta, be gentle when stirring to prevent breaking the pasta.
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: French-American

Keywords: French Onion Pasta, Caramelized Onions, Creamy Pasta, Gluten-Free Pasta, Comfort Food, Weeknight Dinner