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French Onion Pasta

Deeply caramelized onions tossed with tender pasta in a rich, savory, creamy sauce inspired by classic French onion soup. Cozy, indulgent, and unforgettable.
Prep Time: 10 minutesCook Time: 40 minutesTotal Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4Course: Main CourseCuisine: French-Inspired / ItalianMethod: Stovetop

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz 340 g pasta (rigatoni, penne, or fusilli)
  • 3 large yellow onions thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef or chicken broth
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp salt or to taste
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Fresh thyme or parsley optional (for garnish)
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water as needed

Method
 

  1. Caramelize the Onions
  2. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions and a pinch of salt. Cook 25–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and caramelized.
  3. Add Garlic
  4. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Deglaze
  6. Pour in broth and scrape up browned bits. Simmer until slightly reduced.
  7. Cook Pasta
  8. Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
  9. Make the Sauce
  10. Lower heat and stir in cream. Warm gently until silky.
  11. Combine
  12. Add pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
  13. Finish
  14. Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan, season with pepper, and garnish if desired.