Caramelized Onion Gruyère Pasta is the ultimate cozy comfort food, blending the flavors of classic French onion soup into a rich and creamy pasta dish. Sweet, slow-cooked onions melt into a silky sauce, while Gruyère and Parmesan create an irresistibly cheesy finish that clings to every strand of pasta. With every bite, you’ll taste layers of savory depth balanced by a touch of cream.
This recipe was inspired by the timeless French onion soup, a dish beloved for centuries in Parisian bistros. By transforming those signature flavors into pasta form, it brings a modern twist to a classic. The slow caramelization process may take time, but it’s truly worth the patience, rewarding you with a luxurious meal perfect for weeknights or dinner parties.
If you love cozy, upscale comfort food with a touch of French flair, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites.
Recipe Yield: 4 servings
INGREDIENTS
12 oz pasta (fettuccine or rigatoni work well)
1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
3 cups low-sodium beef broth
½ cup heavy cream
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp sugar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
½ cup dry white wine
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Chopped parsley, for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Caramelize the onions:
In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium-low heat. Add onions, salt, and sugar. Cook slowly, stirring often, until golden and deeply caramelized, about 30–35 minutes.
2. Add garlic and thyme:
Stir in garlic and thyme. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then pour in the wine. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, scraping up browned bits.
3. Cook the pasta:
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
4. Make the sauce:
Add beef broth to onions and simmer for 5 minutes. Reduce heat, stir in heavy cream, Gruyère, and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
5. Combine pasta and sauce:
Toss drained pasta into the onion sauce, adding splashes of reserved pasta water as needed for a silky texture.
6. Season and serve:
Adjust seasoning with black pepper. Serve warm, garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe
- Slow and Steady Onions: Caramelize onions low and slow for the deepest flavor—don’t rush this step.
- Cheese Choice: Gruyère gives that authentic French onion flavor, but you can add Fontina or Swiss for extra creaminess.
- Balanced Sauce: If the sauce feels too rich, add a squeeze of lemon juice or splash of extra broth to brighten it.
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