Description

This BEST French Onion Pasta combines rich caramelized onions with creamy cheese and tender pasta for a comforting and flavorful dish inspired by classic French onion soup. The onions are slowly caramelized to develop deep sweetness, then simmered with broth, wine, and mustard before being finished with smoky gouda, parmesan, and cream for a luscious sauce.

Ingredients

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Vegetables and Herbs

3 yellow onions, thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh thyme, plus more for garnish

Liquids and Broth

3 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup dry white wine
4 cups beef broth
1/2 cup heavy cream, or full-fat coconut milk

Pasta and Cheese

12 oz short pasta, such as gluten-free malfada
1/2 cup shredded smoked gouda
1/2 cup shredded parmesan, plus more for garnish

Seasonings

1 tbsp dijon mustard
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper

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Instructions

Caramelize Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they are deeply browned and caramelized. This process takes about 30-40 minutes and develops the rich flavor base of the dish.
Add Aromatics and Deglaze: Stir in the minced garlic, fresh thyme, sea salt, and ground black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the dry white wine and add dijon mustard. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pan to deglaze it, cooking for about 2 minutes more.
Cook Pasta with Broth: Add the short pasta and beef broth to the skillet. Simmer over medium-high heat uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente and most of the broth is absorbed, about 10-15 minutes. Add a splash of water if the broth evaporates too quickly.
Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, shredded smoked gouda, and shredded parmesan. Continue to simmer and stir for 1-2 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a creamy sauce coating the pasta.
Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm garnished with additional fresh thyme and parmesan cheese for extra flavor and presentation.

Notes

Go slow during caramelization: true caramelization of onions takes 30-40 minutes to develop a deep, sweet flavor. Rushing this step can lead to burnt edges and bitterness.
Deglaze as needed: if the onions start sticking to the pan, add a splash of water, wine, or broth to loosen the flavorful browned bits from the pan bottom.
Use a wide skillet or cast-iron pan for even cooking: more surface area helps onions cook uniformly and steam off moisture efficiently.