Why You’ll Love This Recipe

French Onion Soup Pasta brings all the deep, savory flavors of the classic soup into a creamy, cheesy pasta dish. With caramelized onions, garlic, broth, herbs, and melted cheese, this comforting recipe transforms a cozy bistro favorite into an elegant, hearty main course.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

pasta such as fettuccine, rigatoni, or penneyellow onions thinly slicedbutterolive oilgarlic cloves mincedbeef broth or vegetable brothdry white wine optionalfresh thyme or dried thymebay leavesheavy creamgruyère cheese shreddedparmesan cheese gratedsaltblack pepperoptional: chives or parsley for garnish

directions

In a large skillet or pot, melt butter and olive oil over medium-low heat.

Add thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring often, for 25-30 minutes until deeply caramelized and golden brown.

Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Pour in white wine (if using) and deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.

Stir in beef broth, thyme, and bay leaf; simmer for 5-7 minutes.

While the sauce simmers, cook pasta in salted water according to package instructions; drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.

Remove bay leaf from the onion mixture and stir in heavy cream and shredded Gruyère.

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce; add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen.

Stir in Parmesan, season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese and fresh herbs.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 35-40 minutesTotal time: 45-50 minutes

Variations

Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy depth.

Use Swiss or provolone cheese instead of Gruyère if preferred.

Make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth.

Add shredded rotisserie chicken for extra protein.

Top with toasted breadcrumbs or croutons for a soup-inspired crunch.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.

FAQs

Can I skip the wine?

Yes, substitute with more broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.

What onions work best?

Yellow onions are ideal for sweet, rich caramelization.

Is this recipe very cheesy?

Yes, it’s rich and cheesy like a classic French onion soup gratin top—adjust cheese to your taste.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be lighter and less rich.

How do I caramelize onions properly?

Low and slow heat is key—don’t rush; it takes about 25-30 minutes.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and check broth ingredients.

Does this taste like actual French onion soup?

Yes, it captures the essence of the soup but in a creamy pasta form.

Can I use red onions?

They’ll work but will taste slightly different—sweeter and less traditional.

Can I prep this ahead?

You can caramelize the onions and store them ahead to save time.

What pasta works best?

Thicker pasta like rigatoni, penne, or fettuccine holds the sauce well.

Conclusion

French Onion Soup Pasta is a decadent, cozy fusion dish that transforms a classic soup into an irresistible pasta. Rich, cheesy, and full of slow-cooked flavor, it’s the perfect comfort food for cold nights, romantic dinners, or impressing guests with something unique and satisfying.