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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is my own take on the viral TikTok French onion pasta, and the flavors are just wonderful in the creamy sauce. If you love the classic flavors of French onion soup, this dish takes all that cheesy, caramelized magic and turns it into a satisfying pasta. The onions become sweet and jammy as they cook down, the sauce is velvety and rich, and every bite is seriously delicious.
It’s also a simple one-pan pasta recipe. No need to boil pasta separately or have multiple pots on the stove. Everything comes together right in the skillet, soaking up layers of flavor from the broth and caramelized onions. If you love creamy comfort food, you’ll also enjoy my Creamy Steak Pasta with Dairy Free Alfredo Sauce, another cozy weeknight favorite.
And for anyone who’s dairy-free or gluten-free, don’t worry! You can easily swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and use your favorite gluten-free short pasta. The deep flavor from the onions and herbs still shines beautifully, even without cheese.
For another easy weeknight meal (and kid favorite), try my nutritious Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce or cozy up with my Italian Sausage and Pasta Soup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy onion pasta:
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the onions caramelize slowly.
- Yellow onions: The heart of this recipe – low, slow, and golden brown.
- Garlic cloves: Build depth and aroma.
- Fresh thyme: Balances the sweetness of the onions with earthy flavor.
- Sea salt & black pepper: Enhances every layer of taste.
- Dry white wine: Deglazes the pan and lifts all those flavorful brown bits.
- Dijon mustard: Subtle tang that echoes traditional French onion soup pasta.
- Short pasta: Use your favorite shape. Gluten-free malfada, penne, or fusilli all work. I used this one.
- Beef broth: Creates that deep, savory onion cream sauce base.
- Heavy cream or coconut milk: Adds silkiness and body.
- Smoked gouda & parmesan: The perfect blend for that rich, cheesy finish.
Dairy-Free Tip: Substitute coconut milk for the cream and omit the cheese. The caramelized onions and mustard still create a flavorful sauce that’s naturally creamy.
How to Make French Onion Pasta
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and caramelized, about 30-40 minutes. Patience is key here. The onions should turn soft and jammy, not burnt.
Step 2: Add garlic, thyme, sea salt, and pepper. Stir for 2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in wine and Dijon mustard, scraping up the browned bits with a wooden spoon. Let the wine reduce slightly, about 2 minutes.
Step 3: Add pasta and beef broth. Simmer on medium-high for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the broth is absorbed and the pasta is al dente. If the liquid evaporates too quickly, add a splash of water or broth.
Step 4: Stir in heavy cream, smoked gouda, and parmesan. Simmer 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens into a luscious, creamy coating.
Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with more thyme and serve warm.
Tips for Perfect Caramelized Onions
- Go slow. True caramelization takes at least 30 minutes. Rushing leads to burnt edges and bitter flavor.
- Deglaze as needed. If onions start to stick, add a splash of water, wine, or broth to loosen the fond.
- Use a wide skillet or cast-iron pan. More surface area helps the onions cook evenly and release steam efficiently.
- Don’t overcrowd. If you double the recipe, use two pans or cook in batches for the same golden color and flavor depth.
Storing & Reheating
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth to loosen the sauce.
- I don’t recommend freezing this dish because the creamy texture and onions don’t hold up as well once thawed.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! You can caramelize the onions up to two days ahead and refrigerate them. When ready, reheat, add the remaining ingredients, and finish the recipe.
If you don’t want to use wine, use extra beef broth with a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar for brightness.
Depth of flavor comes from fully caramelized onions and a good quality broth. Use beef broth or a rich vegetable broth, not low-sodium unless you plan to season more heavily.
If your onions are pale, the heat is likely too low or you haven’t cooked them long enough. For onions that darken too quickly or start to burn, lower the heat and add a splash of water, wine, or broth to slow things down
This French onion pasta is one of those meals that feels fancy but couldn’t be easier to make. It’s comforting, deeply flavorful, and perfect for cozy fall dinners or special family nights.
And if you like bold flavors, don’t miss The Ultimate Creamy Chorizo Pasta, it’s delicious, creamy, and comes together in just 30 minutes.
More Cozy Dinner Ideas
One Pot Meals
Easy One Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Recipe
Easy Homemade Hamburger Helper (One Pot Meal!)
If you make this French onion pasta, please leave me a star rating and comment below! I love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Follow me on social media Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, for even more delicious recipes!
The BEST French Onion Pasta
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, plus more for garnish
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 12 oz short pasta, I used this gluten free malfada
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, or full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup shredded smoked gouda
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook stirring frequently until browned and caramelized, about 30-40 minutes.3 tbsp olive oil, 3 yellow onions
- Add garlic, thyme, sea salt, and pepper, and cook stirring for 2 minutes until fragrant. Add wine and dijon mustard, then scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to deglaze for about 2 minutes.3 garlic cloves, 1 tbsp fresh thyme, 1 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, 1/2 cup dry white wine, 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- Add pasta and broth. Simmer on medium high for 10-15 minutes until most of the broth is absorbed and the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally so the pasta doesn't stick to the bottom. You can add a bit of water if the broth evaporates too quickly.12 oz short pasta, 4 cups beef broth
- Stir in heavy cream, smoked gouda, and parmesan, and simmer stirring for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted.1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup shredded smoked gouda, 1/2 cup shredded parmesan
- Taste to adjust seasoning, and serve warm garnish with more thyme.
Notes
- Go slow. True caramelization takes at least 30-40 minutes. Rushing leads to burnt edges and bitter flavor.
- Deglaze as needed. If onions start to stick, add a splash of water, wine, or broth to loosen the fond.
- Use a wide skillet or cast-iron pan. More surface area helps the onions cook evenly and release steam efficiently.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
