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Creamy French Onion Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 99 reviews
  • Author: Nora
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Pasta
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French-inspired

Description

Creamy French Onion Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring deeply caramelized onions, tender rigatoni pasta, and a luscious blend of beef broth, red wine, heavy cream, and melted Gruyere cheese. This recipe combines the rich, savory taste of French onion soup with hearty pasta, finished with a golden cheesy broil for a perfect weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Onion Base

  • 2 large white onions, sliced thin
  • 5 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 tbsp garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Liquid & Seasoning

  • 3/4 cup dry red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon recommended)
  • 3.5 cups beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream or half & half

Pasta & Cheese

  • 1 lb short pasta (rigatoni preferred)
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (plus extra for topping)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Thinly slice white onions. Heat 3 tbsp butter in a large soup pot over low to medium heat. Add sliced onions and sauté for 8-10 minutes until softened. Add 1/4 cup red wine and stir frequently until absorbed. Repeat by adding another 1/4 cup wine and continue cooking. This caramelization process should take about 30 minutes total; add remaining 2 tbsp butter if onions become dry to prevent burning.
  2. Add Aromatics: Stir in fresh thyme leaves, minced garlic, and cayenne pepper. Continue sautéing for 5-7 minutes until onions are deeply caramelized and richly browned. Keep the heat low to avoid charring the onions.
  3. Combine Pasta and Liquids: Add the final 1/4 cup of red wine, heavy cream, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and the pasta to the pot. Stir well to combine.
  4. Cook Pasta: Leave the mixture uncovered and stir frequently until the pasta cooks to al dente and the liquid is mostly absorbed, approximately 10-11 minutes.
  5. Add Cheese and Adjust Seasoning: Stir in 3/4 cup shredded Gruyere cheese for creaminess. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as desired. Check pasta doneness carefully as it will influence baking time.
  6. Prepare for Baking: Transfer the pasta mixture into an oven-safe baking dish. Sprinkle with additional Gruyere cheese on top.
  7. Bake and Broil: If pasta is fully cooked and soft, broil uncovered for 3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and browned. If pasta is slightly undercooked (al dente), bake at 400°F for 8-10 minutes then broil for 2 minutes to finish.
  8. Serve: Remove from oven, optionally top with more cheese and fresh thyme, and serve hot. Enjoy the creamy, rich flavors of this French Onion Pasta!

Notes

  • Caramelizing onions is a slow process; patience ensures deep flavor and a rich base.
  • Use a dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon for best flavor integration.
  • Adjust salt and pepper at the end to avoid over seasoning.
  • Gruyere cheese adds a nutty, melty quality; fresh shredding enhances texture.
  • Baking time depends on pasta doneness; do not overcook or undercook for best results.
  • Optional: garnish with fresh thyme leaves for a fresh herbal finish.

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