French Onion Pasta Bowls take the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup and transform them into a comforting pasta dish. Imagine caramelized onions, tender pasta, and gooey melted cheese all in one bowl. This hearty and delicious dish is perfect for cozy nights when you want something warm, filling, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (rigatoni, penne, or any short pasta of your choice)
- 4 large onions (thinly sliced)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional for added depth)
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 4 cups beef broth (low sodium)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- **Salt to taste
For the Cheese Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
- In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally. After about 10 minutes, the onions will begin to soften and turn golden. Continue cooking for another 15-20 minutes until they are deeply caramelized. Add the garlic during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Deglaze the pan with balsamic vinegar and white wine, if using, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Step 3: Make the French Onion Sauce
- Once the onions are caramelized, add the thyme, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and salt to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the broth to reduce slightly.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the onion sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the rich, flavorful sauce.
- Continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the pasta to soak up some of the broth.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Transfer the pasta and onion mixture to individual oven-safe bowls or a large baking dish.
- Top each bowl with a generous layer of shredded Gruyère cheese and Parmesan.
Step 6: Bake the Pasta
- Place the bowls or baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- For an extra golden crust, switch to the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
- Remove the French Onion Pasta Bowls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm, allowing your guests to enjoy the gooey cheese and rich flavors.
Cook Notes
- Caramelizing the Onions: Patience is key when caramelizing onions. Don’t rush the process by turning up the heat—it’s worth the time to get them golden and flavorful.
- Cheese Options: Gruyère is the classic cheese for French onion soup, but Swiss cheese or mozzarella can also work if that’s what you have on hand.
- Wine: Adding wine gives the sauce a deeper flavor, but you can skip it if you prefer.
Variations
French Onion Chicken Pasta
For a heartier meal, add cooked, shredded chicken to the pasta during the last 5 minutes of cooking. It’s a great way to use up leftovers and add protein to the dish.
Vegetarian French Onion Pasta
Swap the beef broth for vegetable broth to make this dish vegetarian-friendly while still keeping the rich flavors.
French Onion Meatball Pasta
Add homemade or store-bought meatballs to the pasta before baking for a delicious twist on the traditional dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply top with cheese and bake until bubbly.
Can I freeze French Onion Pasta Bowls?
You can freeze the pasta before baking, without the cheese topping. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, top with cheese, and bake as directed.
What should I serve with French Onion Pasta Bowls?
This dish is rich and hearty on its own, but you can serve it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
French Onion Pasta Bowls are a delicious fusion of two comfort food classics: pasta and French onion soup. With caramelized onions, a savory broth, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for cozy nights or when you want something special, this recipe brings the rich, deep flavors of French onion soup to your dinner table in a whole new way!
