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French Onion Pasta Recipe

French Onion Pasta Recipe
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This French Onion Pasta is a cozy, one-pot wonder that tastes like the classic soup turned into a creamy, luxurious pasta — without any heavy cream! Caramelized onions build deep, rich flavor while the pasta cooks right in the broth, absorbing every bit of umami goodness. It’s pantry-friendly, budget-friendly, and perfect for nights when you crave comfort food with gourmet flair.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Onions

  • 3 tbsp olive oil

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 3 large yellow onions — sliced into ⅛-inch rings

  • ⅛ tsp each salt & pepper

For the Sauce

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

  • Pinch–¼ tsp red pepper flakes

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce

  • 5 ½ cups water
    (or use beef broth and omit bouillon)

  • 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk

  • ½ tbsp cornstarch

  • 2 tbsp beef bouillon (granules, base, or cubes)

  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, minced

  • 2 tsp fresh thyme, minced

  • ½ tsp each dried oregano, paprika, pepper

Add Last

  • 1 lb short pasta (orecchiette recommended)

  • 5 oz freshly shredded Gruyere cheese

  • ¼ cup freshly shredded Parmesan

  • Fresh parsley — garnish (optional)

Instructions

1️⃣ Caramelize the Onions
Heat butter and olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add onions, salt, and pepper. Stir occasionally for 30–35 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized.
Lower heat if browning too fast — patience builds flavor!

2️⃣ Build the Flavor Base
Add garlic, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire, and soy sauce.
Cook 30 seconds, stirring constantly.

3️⃣ Create the Creamy Broth
Add the water and half of the evaporated milk.
Whisk cornstarch into remaining evaporated milk and stir it in.
Bring to a boil and stir in bouillon, herbs, paprika, and pepper.

4️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Add pasta and reduce to a gentle simmer.
Cook 20–25 minutes uncovered, stirring often to prevent sticking.
Add a splash of water if needed — there should be some liquid left to form the sauce.

5️⃣ Make it Cheesy
Remove from heat. Add Gruyere by the handful, stirring until melted.
Stir in Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

6️⃣ Serve
Garnish with parsley and enjoy while hot and melty.

Notes

  • Caramelize low and slow — this is where the magic happens!

  • Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother than packaged versions.

  • If pasta absorbs too much liquid, add milk or additional broth.

  • Try broth instead of water for even richer flavor.

Find it online: https://chocotune.com/french-onion-pasta-recipe/