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French Onion Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 55 reviews

A rich and comforting French Onion Pasta that combines the sweet caramelized flavors of onions with a creamy, savory sauce made from evaporated milk, beef bouillon, and a blend of herbs. This hearty one-pot pasta dish features tender orecchiette noodles swirled with melted Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses, making it an indulgent twist on classic French onion soup in pasta form.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 large yellow onions, sliced into rings 1/8-inch thick (Mandoline recommended)
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • Pinch to 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce
  • 5 1/2 cups water (or substitute beef broth and omit bouillon)
  • 1 12 oz. can evaporated milk
  • 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons beef bouillon granulated, base or cubes (optional if using beef broth)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, minced (or 3/4 teaspoon dried)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 pound short cut pasta (uncooked), recommended orecchiette
  • 5 ounces freshly shredded Gruyere cheese
  • 1/4 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize onions: Melt the butter in the olive oil in a large (7 quart) Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onions along with 1/8 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for 30 to 35 minutes until they are deeply caramelized and a dark golden brown color. Reduce heat as needed and add more butter or olive oil if the onions begin to scorch.
  2. Sauté garlic and seasonings: Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce to the pot. Cook together, stirring, for about 30 seconds to release fragrant aromas.
  3. Add liquids and herbs: Pour in the water and half of the evaporated milk. Whisk cornstarch with the remaining evaporated milk until smooth and add to the pot. Turn heat to high and bring this mixture to a boil. Stir in the beef bouillon and add the fresh or dried parsley, thyme, oregano, paprika, and black pepper to build layers of flavor.
  4. Cook pasta in sauce: When the liquid reaches a rolling boil, add the uncooked pasta. Reduce heat to a medium-high simmer and cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking and burning. Press the pasta down into an even layer submerged in the liquid. The pasta should be al dente and some sauce liquid should remain when cooking is complete. Add a little water if the liquid evaporates too quickly.
  5. Finish with cheeses: Remove the pot from heat and gradually stir in the shredded Gruyere cheese a handful at a time until fully melted, then add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust with extra salt and pepper if needed. For a creamier consistency, add more water or milk.
  6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired and serve this luscious French Onion Pasta hot for a satisfying and elegant meal.

Notes

  • Using a mandoline to slice the onions thinly ensures even caramelization.
  • If avoiding beef bouillon, use beef broth instead of water and omit the bouillon for a less salty but still flavorful base.
  • Stir frequently while simmering pasta to avoid sticking and burning on the bottom of the pan.
  • If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for the beef elements and omit Worcestershire sauce or use a vegetarian alternative.
  • The recipe works best with short-cut pasta that can absorb the sauce well, such as orecchiette, but other shapes like penne or rigatoni can be used.
  • The red pepper flakes add subtle heat but can be adjusted or omitted for mild taste.

Keywords: French Onion Pasta, caramelized onions, creamy pasta, Gruyere cheese pasta, one pot pasta, comfort food

Find it online: https://frommamamaya.com/french-onion-pasta-recipe/