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French Onion Pasta Recipe

French Onion Pasta Recipe: Creamy & Savory

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine French
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 400 grams pasta of choice spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne
  • 3 large yellow onions thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour optional, to thicken sauce
  • 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth warm
  • ½ cup heavy cream optional for richer sauce
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme optional
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper freshly ground, to taste
  • ¼ cup white wine optional, adds depth
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
    Caramelize the Onions: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions and a pinch of salt. Cook 20–25 minutes until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Optional: add white wine halfway for extra flavor.
    Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir in minced garlic and fresh thyme, cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
    Make the Sauce: Sprinkle flour over onions, cook 1 minute. Gradually add warm broth while stirring. Add heavy cream, simmer 3–5 minutes. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if needed.
    Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked pasta to the skillet, toss to coat. Stir in grated Parmesan, season with salt and pepper. Optional: garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley.
    Serve: Plate immediately for best flavor and texture. Serve with salad, garlic bread, or wine if desired.