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French Onion Pasta with Caramelized Onions and Melted Gruyere Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 109 reviews

This French Onion Pasta recipe transforms the classic flavors of French onion soup into a comforting, cheesy pasta dish. Featuring caramelized onions, a savory broth-based sauce enriched with evaporated milk and Gruyere cheese, and perfectly cooked orecchiette pasta, this dish is a hearty and flavorful twist on traditional pasta meals. Ideal for fans of rich, umami-packed recipes, it offers the warmth of French onion soup in an easy one-pot pasta format.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta and Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 large yellow onions, sliced into 1/8-inch thick rings (Mandoline recommended)
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • Pinch to 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce
  • 5 1/2 cups water (may substitute with beef broth and omit bouillon)
  • 1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk, divided
  • 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons beef bouillon (granulated, base, or cubes; may omit if using beef broth)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, minced (or 3/4 teaspoon dried)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 pound short cut pasta (orecchiette recommended), uncooked
  • 5 oz. freshly shredded Gruyere cheese
  • 1/4 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize Onions: In a large (7 quart) Dutch oven, melt the butter in olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions along with 1/8 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become deeply caramelized and dark golden brown, about 30-35 minutes. Adjust heat and add more butter or olive oil if the onions begin to scorch.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Once the onions are caramelized, add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for about 30 seconds to release their flavors.
  3. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the water and half of the evaporated milk. Whisk the cornstarch with the remaining evaporated milk and add this mixture to the pot. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil while stirring in the beef bouillon, parsley, thyme, oregano, paprika, and black pepper.
  4. Cook Pasta: After the liquid reaches a boil, add the uncooked pasta and reduce heat to a medium-high simmer. Cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking. The pasta should be al dente, and some sauce liquid should remain in the pot for the final dish. Add water if necessary during cooking to maintain liquid coverage over pasta.
  5. Incorporate Cheeses: Remove the pot from heat and gradually stir in the Gruyere cheese until melted. Then add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and fully combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired. For a saucier consistency, add extra water or milk.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh parsley to brighten the dish before serving.

Notes

  • Using a mandoline for slicing onions helps achieve uniform, thin rings for even caramelization.
  • If preferred, substitute beef broth for water and omit the beef bouillon for richer flavor.
  • Stir frequently during pasta cooking to prevent sticking and scorching at the bottom.
  • The simmer time for pasta may vary depending on the shape and brand; patience is key.
  • Add additional liquid during cooking as needed to keep pasta covered and sauce creamy.
  • Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses provide the classic French onion soup flavors; avoid pre-shredded cheeses with anti-caking agents for best melting.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute vegan cheese and vegetable broth, but note it will change the flavor profile.

Keywords: French onion pasta, caramelized onion pasta, one pot pasta, Gruyere pasta, savory pasta, comfort food

Find it online: https://todayfoodrecipe.com/french-onion-pasta-with-caramelized-onions-and-melted-gruyere-recipe/