French Onion Soup Pasta Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

French Onion Soup Pasta is a rich, savory twist on the classic French onion soup—transformed into a cozy, creamy pasta dish. With caramelized onions, a silky sauce, melty cheese, and tender pasta, this recipe combines all the deep flavors of your favorite soup with the comfort of a pasta bowl. It’s indulgent, impressive, and surprisingly easy to make.

ingredients

this Recipe

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

pasta of choice (fusilli, penne, or fettuccine)yellow onions (thinly sliced)olive oilbuttergarlic (minced)thyme (fresh or dried)beef or vegetable brothheavy cream (optional for extra richness)Gruyère or Swiss cheese (shredded)parmesan cheesesaltblack pepperwhite wine or sherry (optional, for deglazing)fresh parsley (for garnish)

directions

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil and butter over medium-low heat.

Add sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring often, for 25–30 minutes until deeply caramelized.

Add garlic and thyme, and cook for 1–2 minutes more.

Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine or a few tablespoons of broth, scraping up the browned bits.

Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.

Add beef broth and a splash of pasta water to the onion mixture. Stir in cream (if using) and bring to a simmer.

Add cooked pasta and toss to coat in the sauce.

Stir in Gruyère and parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley and extra cheese if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 35–40 minutes
Total time: 45–50 minutes

Variations

Add cooked mushrooms for a meaty texture.

Top with crispy breadcrumbs for a “gratin” style finish.

Use a mix of Gruyère and mozzarella for extra meltiness.

Substitute with gluten-free pasta or dairy-free cream and cheese if needed.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
Not recommended for freezing due to the creamy cheese sauce.

FAQs

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Gruyère is traditional and gives it that signature French onion flavor, but Swiss or mozzarella works too.

Do I have to use cream?

No, it’s optional—the dish is rich even without it.

Can I skip the wine?

Yes, just use extra broth for deglazing.

Is this kid-friendly?

Yes, just make sure the onions are sweet and fully caramelized for the best flavor.

How do I get onions deeply caramelized?

Cook them low and slow for about 30 minutes, stirring often.

Can I add protein?

Yes, top with grilled chicken or seared steak for a heartier meal.

What pasta shape is best?

Short pasta like penne or fusilli holds sauce well, but long pasta also works.

Can I make it spicy?

Add a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle heat.

Is it good for leftovers?

Yes, the flavor gets even better the next day!

Conclusion

French Onion Soup Pasta is a cozy, luxurious dish that brings the bold, sweet-savory flavors of classic French onion soup into a creamy pasta form. With caramelized onions, gooey cheese, and rich broth, this dish is pure comfort food magic in every bite.

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