Why You’ll Love This Recipe

French Onion Soup Pasta is the perfect fusion of rich, savory flavors from classic French onion soup with the comfort of a creamy pasta dish. Caramelized onions, a hint of white wine, and melty Gruyère cheese bring depth and elegance, while al dente pasta makes it hearty and satisfying. It’s a cozy, indulgent meal ideal for date nights, dinner parties, or when you want to treat yourself to something a little extra.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

yellow onionsbutterolive oilsaltfresh thymegarlicclove of garlicwhite winebeef or vegetable brothsugarbalsamic vinegarheavy creamgruyère cheesepasta (such as rigatoni, penne, or fettuccine)black pepperparmesan cheese (optional)

directions

Thinly slice the onions.

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add onions, a pinch of salt, and cook slowly for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown.

Add garlic, thyme, and a sprinkle of sugar to help caramelize. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up any browned bits, and simmer until most of the wine has evaporated.

Pour in the broth and balsamic vinegar. Simmer for about 10 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Reduce heat to low, stir in heavy cream and shredded Gruyère cheese into the onion mixture until melted and creamy.

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed for a silky texture.

Season with black pepper and more salt to taste. Top with grated parmesan if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 10 minutesOnion caramelizing time: 35-40 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 60-65 minutes

Variations

Use mushrooms for an earthy twist.

Add shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked sausage for extra protein.

Swap Gruyère for Swiss or provolone cheese.

Make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Top with toasted breadcrumbs for added crunch.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.Pasta can also be microwaved in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Can I use any type of pasta?

Yes, though short pastas like rigatoni or penne hold the sauce well.

What if I don’t have white wine?

You can substitute with extra broth and a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.

Is Gruyère necessary?

Gruyère adds the signature flavor, but Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella are good substitutes.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best fresh. Reheat slowly to preserve the creamy texture.

Can I skip the cream?

Yes, though the result will be more like a broth-based pasta. A splash of milk can work as a lighter option.

Can I freeze it?

Freezing is not recommended due to the cream and cheese, which may separate.

Why add sugar to onions?

Just a little helps speed up and enhance caramelization without making the dish sweet.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth is gluten-free.

Do I have to caramelize the onions that long?

For true flavor depth, yes. Rushing it won’t yield the same result.

Is this spicy?

No, but you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.

Conclusion

French Onion Soup Pasta is a luscious, comforting dish that transforms classic soup into a gourmet pasta experience. With its deeply caramelized onions and creamy, cheesy sauce, it’s a dish that’s both rustic and refined. Serve it up for a cozy dinner that tastes like it came straight from a Parisian bistro.