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Bowl of creamy French onion soup pasta topped with cheese and herbs

French Onion Soup Pasta

A comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of French onion soup with hearty pasta, perfect for cozy gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, French
Calories: 490
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces 12 ounces (340g) of pasta (such as fusilli or penne) Use your favorite type or whole-grain for a healthier option.
For the Sauce
  • 4 large 4 large onions, thinly sliced Choose sweet onions for that signature French onion flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons butter Unsalted butter allows better control of salt levels.
  • 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon olive oil Adds richness and helps in caramelizing the onions.
  • 3 cloves 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic lends an aromatic kick.
  • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon dried thyme For added herbal notes; fresh thyme can also work.
  • 1 cup 1 cup beef broth Opt for low-sodium to keep the dish balanced.
  • 1 cup 1 cup chicken broth Adds depth; substitute with all vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
  • 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar Balances the sweetness of the onions.
  • Salt and pepper, to taste Enhance the dish according to your preference.
For Garnish
  • 1 cup 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese Feel free to mix in mozzarella for stretchiness.
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional) For a pop of color and freshness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20-30 minutes until the onions are deep golden brown and caramelized.
  2. Once the onions are caramelized, add the garlic, stirring for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then add the thyme and mix well.
  3. Pour in the beef broth and chicken broth, stirring to combine, and then season with balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  4. While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
  5. Combine the drained pasta with the onion broth mixture, stirring to fully coat the pasta with the delightful sauce. Allow it to heat together for 3-5 minutes.
  6. Once heated through, sprinkle the Gruyère cheese on top of the pasta. Cover the pan and let it sit on low heat for an additional 3-5 minutes or until the cheese melts.
Serving
  1. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

Don’t rush the onions: Caramelizing them properly will unlock their sweet flavor. For a quicker option, you can use pre-cooked pasta. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.