Description
A comforting and savory French Onion Pasta dish combining tender caramelized onions, rich broth, and melty Gruyère and mozzarella cheeses. This recipe offers an easy way to enjoy the classic flavors of French onion soup in a hearty pasta form, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne recommended)
Onion Mixture
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- fresh thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Caramelize Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with olive oil. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until they become soft and golden brown.
- Add Sugar: Sprinkle the sugar over the onions and stir well. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes to deepen the caramelization and enhance sweetness.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the beef or vegetable broth, stirring to combine with the onions. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta with Onion Mixture: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the onion and broth mixture.
- Prepare for Broiling: Preheat your oven broiler. Transfer the pasta and onion mixture into an oven-safe dish. Evenly sprinkle shredded Gruyère and mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Broil: Place the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Use a good quality beef broth for richer flavor or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- Gruyère cheese offers a nutty flavor; mozzarella adds creaminess – combining them creates a perfect cheesy topping.
- Keep an eye on the dish when under the broiler to prevent cheese from burning.
- The sugar helps with caramelizing onions but can be omitted if you prefer less sweetness.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the pasta with gluten-free alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing, Broiling
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: French onion pasta, caramelized onions, Gruyère cheese pasta, comfort food, easy pasta recipe
