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French Onion Soup Pasta Recipe

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4.4 from 10 reviews

This French Onion Soup Pasta recipe reinvents the beloved classic soup into a creamy, cheesy pasta dish. Featuring sweet, slow-caramelized onions, savory beef broth, tender pasta, and melted Gruyère cheese topped with a broiled golden crust, it is the perfect comforting dinner for any occasion.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 shallots, thinly sliced
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Fats and Oils

  • 3 tablespoon butter
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil

Liquids

  • ½ cup white wine (optional)
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Cheeses and Dairy

  • 2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded (divided)
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Proteins

  • 1 lb ground beef or sliced steak

Carbohydrates

  • 1 lb pasta (penne, rigatoni, or choice)
  • 2 tablespoon bread crumbs, toasted

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for vegetarian version)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize Onions: Thinly slice the onions about a quarter inch thick. In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter with olive oil. Add the sliced onions and salt. Stir occasionally, letting them caramelize slowly for 30 to 40 minutes, until deeply golden and sweet-smelling. Add a splash of water or broth if they start sticking. Avoid rushing by increasing heat.
  2. Add Aromatics and Deglaze: Add the minced garlic and thyme leaves to the caramelized onions, cooking 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. If using, pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan and scrape up the browned bits with a wooden spoon. Let the wine reduce by half over 3 to 4 minutes, cooking off the alcohol.
  3. Cook Pasta in Broth: Pour the beef broth into the pan, bring to a boil over high heat. Add the uncooked pasta and stir to submerge. Reduce heat to medium and cook according to package instructions (about 10 to 12 minutes), stirring occasionally. Add more broth or water if liquid evaporates before pasta is done.
  4. Make Creamy Sauce: When pasta is just al dente and most broth is absorbed, reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese. Stir continuously until cheese melts and sauce is creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Simmer gently 2 to 3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats pasta.
  5. Broil Cheese Topping: If using an oven-safe skillet, keep pasta in it; otherwise transfer to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle remaining 1 cup Gruyère cheese and grated Parmesan on top. Position oven rack about 6 inches from broiler and broil on high for 3 to 5 minutes, watching carefully. Remove when cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  6. Rest and Serve: Let the pasta rest for 5 minutes after broiling so the cheese sets slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm for a comforting meal.

Notes

  • Take your time caramelizing the onions to develop deep sweetness and flavor.
  • Use an oven-safe skillet to broil directly in the cooking pan, reducing cleanup.
  • If not using beef, substitute vegetable broth and soy sauce for a vegetarian version.
  • Adjust seasoning after adding cheese as broth and cheese contribute saltiness.
  • Watch the broiler closely to avoid burning the cheese topping.
  • Choice of pasta can be penne, rigatoni, or any tubular pasta that holds sauce well.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American, French