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French Onion Pasta

French Onion Pasta
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French Onion Pasta is a comforting and elegant dish that blends the deep, caramelized flavors of French onion soup with tender pasta and melted cheese, creating a rich, savory meal perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Onions and Aromatics

  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves

Fat and Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Liquid Base

  • 2 cups beef or vegetable broth

Pasta

  • 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Start by slicing the yellow onions thinly, then cook them slowly in a combination of butter and olive oil over low to medium heat. Stir often to ensure they soften and turn golden brown—this process can take up to 30 minutes but is crucial for developing that signature sweet and rich flavor.
  2. Add Garlic and Herbs: Once the onions are beautifully caramelized, add minced garlic and fresh thyme to the pan, cooking for another minute until fragrant. This step layers in complexity and keeps the flavors vibrant.
  3. Deglaze with Balsamic and Broth: Pour in a splash of balsamic vinegar to brighten the sweetness, then add beef or vegetable broth to the pan. Let the sauce simmer gently, reducing until it thickens slightly and concentrates in flavor.
  4. Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, boil your chosen pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve a bit of the pasta water to help marry the sauce and noodles if needed later.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the pasta and toss it into the pan with the onion sauce, stirring well to coat every strand. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the mixture seems dry, ensuring a silky, luscious consistency.
  6. Add Cheese and Serve: Transfer the pasta to serving plates, then generously top with shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese. For an extra touch, you can broil briefly just until the cheese melts and bubbles. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • Slow and steady: Patience is key for caramelizing onions; rushing will result in bitterness rather than sweetness.
  • Use good broth: A rich, flavorful broth elevates the dish and mimics the classic soup base perfectly.
  • Reserve pasta water: Adding reserved water helps adjust the sauce consistency for the perfect coating.
  • Cheese choices matter: Swiss and Gruyere melt beautifully and enhance the dish’s nutty complexity better than most others.
  • Don’t forget seasoning: Salt and pepper balance all the flavors; taste as you go!

Nutrition

Keywords: French Onion Pasta, Caramelized Onions, Comfort Food, Pasta Recipes, Easy Dinner, French-Italian Fusion

Find it online: https://sophiespace.com/french-onion-pasta/