French Onion Pasta Bake: A Comforting Fusion of Soup and Pasta
This French Onion Pasta Bake combines all the rich, savory flavors of traditional French onion soup with the satisfying texture of pasta, creating a truly irresistible dish. Caramelized onions, savory beef broth, and melted Gruyère cheese come together for a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful meal. Perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
(Makes 4-6 servings)
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For the Onions and Sauce:
- 3 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup white wine (optional; can be substituted with extra broth if preferred)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 bay leaf
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For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (fusilli, campanelle, or your favorite type)
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For the Cheese:
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or more, depending on your preference)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
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For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
- In a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15–20 minutes, until softened and golden brown. Patience here is key for the best caramelization.
- Stir in the garlic, sugar, and salt, cooking for an additional 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Step 2: Deglaze the Pan
- Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. These bits hold lots of flavor!
- Simmer for 3–5 minutes, allowing the wine to reduce slightly.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
- Add the beef broth, fresh thyme, and bay leaf to the pan with the onions. Bring it to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
- While the sauce simmers, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Remove the bay leaf from the sauce.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the onion sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
- Stir in half of the shredded Gruyère cheese, letting it melt into the sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and top with the remaining Gruyère cheese for a bubbly, cheesy topping.
Step 7: Bake
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
- Remove from the oven and let the dish cool slightly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and enjoy the comforting, rich flavors!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Flavorful: The caramelized onions combined with beef broth provide a deep, savory flavor that’s comforting and satisfying.
- Cheesy Goodness: Gruyère cheese adds a creamy, nutty finish that perfectly complements the onions and pasta.
- Comfort Food Classic: A unique fusion of French onion soup and pasta that brings together the best of both worlds!
Pro Tips for Success
- Perfect Caramelization: Be patient and cook the onions low and slow to achieve the best flavor. This process really brings out their natural sweetness.
- Customize Your Cheese: If Gruyère isn’t available, you can swap it for Swiss or Fontina cheese for similar creamy, melty textures.
- Make-Ahead: Caramelize the onions and build the sauce in advance to save time. When ready to serve, just cook the pasta and bake the dish.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm the pasta bake in the oven or microwave. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if necessary.
This French Onion Pasta Bake combines the luxurious flavors of French onion soup with the hearty satisfaction of pasta, creating a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a comforting weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to delight everyone at the table! 🧅🍝✨