French Onion Pasta Recipe

Introduction

French Onion Pasta is a comforting twist on the classic French onion soup, bringing rich caramelized onions and creamy cheese sauce to a hearty pasta dish. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight meal that feels indulgent yet easy to make.

Ingredients

• 1 large white onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• 6 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp salt & 1 tsp black pepper
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp tamari
• 1 cup white wine
• 3 tbsp plain flour
• 1 liter vegetable stock
• 225g farfalle pasta
• 60ml double cream
• 60g mature cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Peel the onion and slice it thinly for even caramelization.
2. Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a pan and add the sliced onion. Cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes until softened.
3. Step 3: Add salt, black pepper, and butter to the onions. Continue cooking for another 20 minutes, stirring often, until the onions turn a deep golden brown.
4. Step 4: Stir in the balsamic vinegar, tamari, fresh thyme sprigs, and minced garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle in the plain flour and stir well to coat the onions. Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, cooking for 5 to 8 minutes until the wine reduces.
6. Step 6: Add the farfalle pasta and vegetable stock to the pan. Stir and cover with a lid. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is cooked through.
7. Step 7: Stir in the double cream and grated mature cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Serve immediately with extra cheese and black pepper if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use a good quality white wine for a richer flavor; if preferred, replace tamari with soy sauce for a milder taste.
• For extra depth, add a splash of sherry or a pinch of smoked paprika with the flour.
• Try swapping farfalle for other pasta types like penne or fusilli if you don’t have farfalle on hand.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or vegetable stock if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, substitute butter with vegan margarine, use a plant-based cream alternative, and omit the cheese or replace it with vegan cheese.

What can I use instead of white wine?

If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute the white wine with additional vegetable stock mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice for acidity.

French Onion Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 148 reviews

This French Onion Pasta recipe offers a comforting blend of caramelized onions simmered in a rich, savory sauce with farfalle pasta, finished with creamy double cream and mature cheddar cheese. Inspired by classic French onion soup flavors, this dish combines the depth of slowly cooked onions and thyme with the heartiness of pasta, creating a delicious, satisfying meal perfect for cozy dinners.

• Author: Logan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 70 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: French-inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 large white onion, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme

Oils and Fats

• 6 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp butter
• 60ml double cream

Liquids

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp tamari (soy sauce alternative)
• 1 cup white wine
• 1 liter vegetable stock

Dry Ingredients

• 3 tbsp plain flour
• 225g farfalle pasta
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 60g mature cheddar cheese, grated

Instructions

1. Prepare the Onions: Peel and thinly slice one large white onion to ensure even cooking.
2. Cook Onions Slowly: Heat 6 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook gently for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften.
3. Caramelize the Onions: Add 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 3 tablespoons butter to the onions. Continue cooking for an additional 20 minutes, stirring often, until the onions develop a deep golden brown color.
4. Add Flavorings: Mix in 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon tamari, minced garlic cloves, and 3 sprigs of fresh thyme. Sauté the mixture for about 2 minutes to release aromas.
5. Incorporate Flour and Deglaze: Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of plain flour over the onions and stir well to coat. Pour in 1 cup white wine, deglazing the pan by scraping the bottom, then cook for 5 to 8 minutes until the wine reduces and the mixture thickens slightly.
6. Cook Pasta in Sauce: Add 225 grams of farfalle pasta and 1 liter vegetable stock to the pan. Stir well, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
7. Finish with Cream and Cheese: Stir in 60 milliliters of double cream and 60 grams of grated mature cheddar cheese until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes luscious. Serve immediately with additional cheese and black pepper as garnish.

Notes

• Use low heat when cooking onions to achieve perfect caramelization without burning.
• White wine can be substituted with additional vegetable stock if preferred.
• For a vegan version, replace butter and double cream with plant-based alternatives and use vegan cheese.
• Adjust seasoning after cooking since the cheese and stock add saltiness.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: French onion pasta, caramelized onion pasta, creamy pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, farfalle recipe