The BEST French Onion Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This French Onion Pasta brings the rich, comforting flavors of classic French onion soup into a creamy, cheesy pasta dish. Caramelized onions, savory broth, and melted cheese combine to create a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

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

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

Tips & Variations

• Use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version that still offers creaminess.
• Try swapping smoked gouda for gruyere or fontina for different flavor profiles.
• For a vegetarian option, replace beef broth with vegetable broth and omit any meat-based additions.
• Caramelizing onions slowly is key for deep flavor—don’t rush this step.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens excessively.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well as they hold the creamy sauce nicely. Feel free to use your preferred pasta.

What if I don’t have white wine?

You can substitute white wine with extra broth and a splash of lemon juice or white wine vinegar to maintain acidity and flavor.

The BEST French Onion Pasta Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.9 from 125 reviews

• Author: lina
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This French Onion Pasta recipe combines the rich, caramelized flavor of traditional French onion soup with tender pasta, creating a comforting, creamy dish. The pasta is simmered in a savory broth infused with caramelized onions, garlic, thyme, and white wine, then finished with smoky gouda and parmesan cheese for an indulgent finish. Perfect as a cozy weeknight meal, it offers the beloved flavors of French onion soup in a satisfying pasta format.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main 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 (gluten free malfada used)
• 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

1. Caramelize the Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and caramelized, about 30-40 minutes. This slow cooking releases the natural sugars and develops deep flavor.
2. Add Aromatics and Deglaze: Stir in minced garlic, fresh thyme, sea salt, and black pepper, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and dijon mustard. Use a wooden spoon to scrape and deglaze the pan, loosening any browned bits for about 2 minutes.
3. Cook the Pasta in Broth: Add the 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 tender but al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a bit of water if the broth evaporates too quickly.
4. Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Stir in heavy cream, shredded smoked gouda, and parmesan. Continue to simmer while stirring for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and cohesive.
5. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the pasta warm, garnished with additional fresh thyme and parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

• Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten free.
• Heavy cream can be substituted with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
• Simmer the onions slowly to get the best caramelization; rushing this step will lessen the flavor.
• Add water if the broth reduces too quickly before the pasta is cooked through.
• For added richness, finish with a small knob of butter stirred in at the end.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

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

Keywords: French onion pasta, caramelized onion pasta, creamy pasta, gluten free pasta recipe, comforting pasta dish