Description
This French Onion Pasta combines the classic rich flavors of caramelized onions and melted cheese with tender pasta, creating a comforting, savory dish perfect for cozy dinners. The slow caramelization of onions infuses the dish with deep, sweet notes balanced by the sharpness of mustard and the smokiness of gouda, all brought together in a creamy, hearty sauce.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Herbs
- 3 yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme (plus more for garnish)
Liquids
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk)
Pantry
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 12 oz short pasta (gluten free malfada recommended)
Cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded smoked gouda
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
- Caramelize the onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they are deeply browned and caramelized, about 30-40 minutes. This slow cooking brings out their natural sweetness and forms the base flavor for the dish.
- Add aromatics and deglaze: Stir in the minced garlic, fresh thyme, sea salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and add Dijon mustard, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to release any flavorful browned bits. Continue cooking for about 2 minutes until the wine reduces slightly.
- Cook the pasta in broth: Add the short pasta and beef broth to the skillet. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the broth is absorbed and the pasta reaches an al dente texture. If the broth evaporates too quickly, add a splash of water to prevent sticking.
- Add cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, shredded smoked gouda, and parmesan cheese. Simmer while stirring for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and unified.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed. Serve warm, garnished with extra fresh thyme and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta like malfada if you need a gluten-free dish.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
- Caramelizing onions properly is key to developing rich flavor—do not rush this step.
- Add water as necessary if broth reduces too quickly to keep pasta from sticking.
- Serve immediately for best texture; leftovers can be reheated gently with a splash of broth or water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-inspired
