If you love the rich, cozy flavors of French onion soup, you have to try this pasta! This French Onion Pasta is savory, creamy, and packed with caramelized onions for a comforting weeknight dinner that feels a little bit fancy.

french onion pasta
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Why I Love This Recipe

If you love French onion soup, this pasta dish will become your next favorite. It’s built on a base of slow-caramelized onions and finished with gooey cheese. It’s rich without being heavy.

It’s safe to say French Onion Pasta is having a moment, and it’s easy to see why. This dish is perfect for cozy nights, dinner parties, or any time you want to treat yourself to something comforting and a little indulgent.

french onion pasta ingredients

Ingredients and Substitutions

  • Pasta: Use your favorite shape. I used Farfalle! I like the Barilla protein plus pasta which has extra protein.
  • Onions: Yellow onions are best for caramelizing. Take your time and let them go golden and sweet.
  • Butter + Olive Oil: This combo helps the onions caramelize slowly and evenly.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic depth without overpowering the sweetness of the onions.
  • Broth: While beef broth brings traditional French onion soup flavor, I kept this recipe vegetarian by using Better Than Bouillon Vegetarian No Beef Base, which has the flavor of beef without any actual meat. Vegetable broth works, too.
  • Gruyère: The classic cheese for French onion soup. Swiss is a great backup, and mozzarella will work in a pinch.
  • Salt & Pepper: Season to taste after the cheese has melted into the sauce.

How to Make French Onion Pasta

Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt.
Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring often, until onions are golden brown and caramelized.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Add broth to the onions and stir to deglaze the pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat, using reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce
Turn off the heat and stir in Gruyère until melted.
Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect French Onion Pasta

  • Low and slow is key. Don’t rush the onions—deep caramelization takes about 15 minutes, but it’s worth every second.
  • Reserve pasta water. This starchy liquid helps the sauce come together and cling to the noodles.
  • Add-ins welcome. Stir in sautéed mushrooms for even more umami flavor. Or add some canned white beans for protein and fiber.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Freezing is not recommended as the caramelized onions and cheese sauce are best enjoyed fresh.

french onion pasta

More Pasta Recipes

If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to try my sundried tomato pasta, cream cheese pasta, and this pesto cavatappi. All of these pasta recipes are quick, easy, and delicious!

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french onion pasta

French Onion Pasta

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  • Author: Liz Thomson
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 cups 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

If you love the rich, cozy flavors of French onion soup, you have to try this pasta! This French Onion Pasta is savory, creamy, and packed with caramelized onions for a comforting weeknight dinner that feels a little bit fancy.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 12 oz uncooked pasta
  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup vegetarian “beef” broth or vegetable broth
  • 2oz (1/2 cup) grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • Optional: Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
  3. While the pasta cooks, heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
  4. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring often, until onions are golden brown and caramelized.
  5. Add garlic and cook for one minute more.
  6. Add broth to the onions and stir to deglaze the pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
  7. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat, using reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce

  8. Turn off the heat and stir in Gruyère until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with thyme or parsley, and serve immediately.

Instructions