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French Onion Pasta Bowls Recipe

4.6 from 103 reviews

French Onion Pasta Bowls combine the rich, caramelized flavors of classic French onion soup with tender pasta, all topped with melted Gruyère cheese. This comforting dish features slow-cooked onions in a savory beef broth, simmered with herbs and finished with a melty cheese topping, perfect for a cozy meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Onion Soup Base

  • 3 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 bay leaf

Pasta and Toppings

  • 12 ounces pasta (fusilli or campanelle work well)
  • 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions, sugar, and salt, stirring well to coat the onions evenly. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes until they turn deeply caramelized and golden brown, developing a rich, sweet flavor.
  2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, enhancing the savory depth of the dish.
  3. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let the wine simmer until it mostly evaporates, about 5 minutes. This step builds complexity in the broth.
  4. Simmer Broth: Add the beef broth, fresh thyme leaves, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 more minutes to meld all the flavors together into a rich broth.
  5. Cook Pasta: While the broth is simmering, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to be combined with the broth.
  6. Combine Pasta and Broth: Remove the bay leaf from the broth and stir the cooked pasta directly into the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the dish is well-balanced.
  7. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the pasta and broth mixture into serving bowls. Top each bowl with grated Gruyère cheese. Optionally, place the bowls under the broiler briefly to melt and lightly brown the cheese for a bubbly, golden finish.
  8. Finish with Parsley: Garnish each bowl with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a fresh, vibrant touch.

Notes

  • You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter version, though the flavor will be less robust.
  • Using fusilli or campanelle pasta helps hold the broth well with their shapes.
  • Broiling the cheese topping is optional but adds a delicious golden crust.
  • Adjust the salt carefully, especially if your broth is already salted.
  • This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or crusty bread for dipping.

Keywords: french onion pasta, caramelized onions, pasta bowls, Gruyère cheese pasta, comforting pasta recipe