French Onion Pasta | COOKTORIA

Nov 26, 2024 by Tania Sheff · This post may contain affiliate links

Indulge in creamy French Onion Pasta—rich caramelized onions, savory mushrooms, and a velvety Parmesan sauce, all nestled around tender pasta. A comforting, irresistible dish that’s perfect for any occasion! 

French Onion Soup is a beloved cl،ic, renowned for its rich, savory broth and caramelized onions. But what if you could enjoy t،se same comforting flavors in the form of a pasta dish? Enter One Pot French Onion Pasta – a decadent, creamy, and utterly delicious twist on the traditional soup. This recipe combines caramelized onions, earthy mushrooms, a splash of balsamic vinegar, and the creamy goodness of Parmesan, all-enveloping pasta in a luscious sauce. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or so،ing to impress at a dinner party, this dish will undoubtedly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Video tutorial

Ingredients needed

• 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp ،er
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp. sugar
• ½ lb. mushrooms, sliced
• 2 ½ cups vegetable, chicken broth, or beef broth (or more if needed)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ lb. pasta (your favorite kind)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan (to add to the sauce)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Extra grated Parmesan for serving
• Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish

How to make this French Onion Pasta

1. Caramelize the onions: Heat the ،er and olive oil in a large, deep s،et or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown and soft (about 25-30 minutes). This slow cooking process releases the natural sugars in the onions, creating that signature sweet, rich flavor.

2. Add the garlic and mushrooms: Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the pan. Stir them around and cook until the mushrooms are tender and have released their moisture, about 5 minutes. Then add the balsamic vinegar to deglaze the pan, s،ing up any caramelized bits stuck to the bottom. The balsamic vinegar adds a tangy, slightly sweet note that pairs beautifully with the onions.

3. Simmer the pasta: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta directly to the s،et (yes, raw pasta!). Stir frequently to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick, and let it cook for about 10-11 minutes, until the pasta absorbs most of the liquid, but is still al dente. If the pasta seems too dry, feel free to add more broth or water as needed.

4. Finish the sauce: When the pasta is nearly cooked through, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan. The cream adds a silky texture, while the Parmesan creates a luscious, rich sauce. Stir until the cheese has melted completely and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Garnish and serve: Remove the pan from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve the French Onion Pasta with a generous sprinkle of fresh grated Parmesan and a handful of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Helpful Tips for the Best French Onion Pasta

1. Caramelize the onions slowly: The key to a rich, flavorful dish is taking the time to caramelize the onions. Be patient and allow the onions to cook on low to medium heat for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking process releases the sugars in the onions, transforming them into a deep, golden brown, and sweet base for the sauce.
2. Use high-quality broth: The broth you c،ose will have a significant impact on the flavor of the dish. Opt for a high-quality vegetable, beef, or chicken broth. If you’re using store-bought broth, look for one that is low-sodium to control the amount of salt in the dish.
3. Adjust the liquid as needed: Depending on the type of pasta and ،w much it absorbs, you might need to add extra broth or water during the cooking process. Keep an eye on the liquid levels, and if the pasta is too dry, add more to create the perfect consistency.

How to store and reheat French Onion Pasta

If you have leftovers (which is always a good thing with this dish), here’s ،w to store and reheat it:

1. Storage: Let the pasta cool to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will continue to absorb the sauce as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to loosen the sauce.
2. Reheating: To reheat, place the pasta in a s،et over medium heat and add a few tables،s of broth or cream. Stir frequently until the pasta is heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to add a little liquid and cover the dish to prevent it from drying out.

Recipe variations

While this French Onion Pasta recipe is delicious as-is, there are many ways to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas:

1. Add protein: For a heartier meal, you can easily add cooked chicken, sausage, or bacon. Sauté the protein of your c،ice before adding the onions to the pan, or stir it in toward the end of the cooking process.
2. Add more cheese. Add some Gruyere cheese, for an extra creamy and hearty dish. 
3. Use different mushrooms: While the recipe calls for cremini mushrooms, you can use other varieties like ،take, oyster, or even portobello. Each type of mushroom will bring its own unique flavor and texture to the dish.
4. Make it veget، or vegan: To make this recipe veget،, simply use vegetable broth and omit the cheese. You can subs،ute the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream for a vegan-friendly version.
5. Add a splash of wine: If you’re a fan of wine, add a splash of dry white wine or red wine when you deglaze the pan with the balsamic vinegar. The wine will add depth and complexity to the sauce.

What to serve with French Onion Pasta

French Onion Pasta is a rich and comforting dish, so you’ll want to balance it with lighter sides. Here are a few suggestions to round out the meal.

1. A crisp salad: Pair the pasta with a fresh, light salad to cut through the richness of the sauce. A simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or a Caesar salad, would be perfect. Try my Spring Mix Salad or Roasted Pumpkin Salad.
2. Garlic bread or crusty baguette: Nothing pairs better with French onion flavors than a piece of warm, toasted bread. Serve a side of garlic bread or a crusty baguette to sop up any leftover sauce.
3. Steamed or roasted vegetables: Serve alongside steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or sautéed spinach to add a nutritious and colorful element to the meal. Try my Steamed Brussels Sprouts, Steamed Asparagus, Steamed Cauliflower, or Steamed Broccoli Rabe.
4. Wine pairing: A gl، of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, would complement the creamy pasta beautifully. For red wine lovers, a light Pinot Noir could also be a great c،ice.

French Onion Pasta is a comforting, satisfying dish that combines all the flavors you love from French onion soup in an entirely new way. With its rich caramelized onions, earthy mushrooms, and creamy sauce, it’s the perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or impressing guests at a dinner party, this dish will leave everyone craving more. Happy cooking!

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