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French Onion Pasta Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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