If you’re looking for a flavorful and easy-to-make pasta dish, look no further than French onion pasta. This dish has taken the internet by storm, with millions of views on TikTok and countless recipe variations available online. The dish is inspired by classic French onion soup, and features caramelized onions, mushrooms, and pasta in a rich and creamy sauce.
One of the best things about French onion pasta is how adaptable it is. You can easily make the dish vegan or gluten-free by swapping out a few ingredients. Plus, the recipe can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. Some versions of the dish include white wine, beef broth, or Worcestershire sauce for added depth of flavor. And with just one pot required, this dish is a great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
French Onion Pasta Overview
If you’re looking for a comforting and flavorful pasta dish, then French Onion Pasta might be the perfect recipe for you. This dish is a twist on the classic French onion soup, combining caramelized onions, garlic, thyme, and white wine to create a rich and savory sauce that coats the pasta.
To make French Onion Pasta, you’ll need to start by caramelizing onions in a skillet until they’re brown and sweet. Then, you’ll add garlic, mushrooms, and thyme to the skillet and sauté everything until the mushrooms are tender. White wine is added to deglaze the pan and add flavor, while flour is used to thicken the sauce.
Once the sauce is ready, you’ll cook the pasta until it’s al dente and then toss it with the sauce. The result is a delicious and comforting pasta dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
French Onion Pasta is a great option for vegetarians, as it doesn’t contain any meat. However, if you’re looking to add some protein to the dish, you could easily add some cooked chicken or shrimp. Additionally, you could swap out the pasta for a gluten-free or whole wheat option, depending on your dietary preferences.
Overall, French Onion Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in. With its rich and savory sauce and tender pasta, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Required Ingredients
To make the French onion pasta recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
Pasta Ingredients
- 1 lb. pasta (rigatoni, gemelli, rotini, farfalle, fusilli, cavatappi, or penne)
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tsp. salt
- 8 cups water
French Onion Sauce Ingredients
- 3 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 4 thyme sprigs or 1 tsp. dried thyme
- 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 4 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup dry white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc
- 1 tbsp. brown sugar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, optional, chopped for garnish
The pasta ingredients are basic and can be adjusted based on your preference. You can choose any type of pasta that you like, but the recommended options are rigatoni, gemelli, rotini, farfalle, fusilli, cavatappi, or penne. The olive oil and salt are added to the water to prevent the pasta from sticking together and to add flavor. The amount of water is important to get the right texture for your pasta. You will need 8 cups of water for 1 lb. of pasta.
The French Onion Sauce Ingredients are what give the dish its unique flavor. The onions are caramelized to perfection, and the garlic, thyme, and white wine add depth to the sauce. The flour and butter are used to create a roux, which thickens the sauce. The Gruyère cheese adds creaminess and richness to the dish. Beef broth is used to give the sauce a savory flavor, and brown sugar is added to balance out the flavors. Salt and black pepper are added to taste, and fresh parsley is optional for garnish.
Equipment Needed
To make French onion pasta, you will need a few basic kitchen tools. Here are the essential pieces of equipment that you will need:
1. Large Pot
You will need a large pot to cook the pasta in. A stock pot or a large skillet with high sides will work well for this recipe.
2. Wooden Spoon
A wooden spoon is the best tool to use when caramelizing the onions. It won’t scratch the bottom of the pot and it won’t melt like a plastic spoon.
3. Cutting Board and Knife
You will need a cutting board and a knife to chop the onions and mushrooms.
4. Measuring Cups and Spoons
To ensure that you add the right amount of ingredients, you will need measuring cups and spoons.
5. Grater
You will need a grater to grate the Parmesan cheese.
6. Tongs
Tongs are helpful for tossing the pasta with the sauce.
7. Serving Bowls
Make sure you have enough bowls to serve the pasta. You can also use plates if you prefer.
With these basic kitchen tools, you can easily make French onion pasta in your own kitchen.
Preparation Steps
If you’re looking for a delicious and comforting pasta dish, French Onion Pasta is a must-try. The caramelized onions add a rich and sweet flavor to the dish, while the combination of cheeses creates a creamy and cheesy texture. Here are the simple preparation steps to create this tasty dish.
Pasta Cooking
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta of your choice and cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
French Onion Sauce Preparation
To make the French onion sauce, heat oil and butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and shallots and cook and stir until onions begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in brown sugar well. Continue to cook over medium heat until well caramelized, 45 to 60 minutes. Stir occasionally, being sure to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Next, add garlic, mushrooms, and thyme to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes or until the mushrooms begin to soften. Add the wine to deglaze the pan and add the flour. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until thickened.
Finally, add the cooked pasta to the pot and stir to combine. Turn the broiler on high. Brush or drizzle the bread with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Top the pasta with the bread and sprinkle with the mozzarella and gruyere cheese. Broil until the cheese is deeply golden, 2 to 5 minutes, keeping a close eye on the pasta.
That’s it! Your delicious French Onion Pasta is ready to be served. Enjoy your meal!
Serving Suggestions
French onion pasta is a hearty and satisfying dish that can be served on its own or paired with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving suggestions to help you enjoy this delicious pasta dish:
- Garlic Bread: Serve French onion pasta with a side of garlic bread to soak up all the delicious sauce. You can make your own garlic bread by toasting slices of bread in the oven with butter, garlic, and herbs.
- Green Salad: Pair French onion pasta with a fresh green salad to balance out the richness of the pasta. A simple salad of mixed greens, cucumber, and tomato with a tangy vinaigrette would be the perfect accompaniment.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers would be a great side dish for French onion pasta. Roasting the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and adds a nice contrast to the savory pasta.
- Red Wine: French onion pasta pairs well with a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. The tannins in the wine help cut through the richness of the pasta and enhance the flavors.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate some fresh Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta before serving for an extra burst of flavor. The nutty, salty flavor of the cheese pairs perfectly with the sweet caramelized onions.
Try out some of these serving suggestions to take your French onion pasta to the next level. Enjoy!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers of French Onion Pasta, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you are ready to reheat, transfer the pasta to a microwave-safe dish and reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Alternatively, you can reheat French Onion Pasta on the stovetop. Add the pasta to a saucepan with a splash of water or chicken broth and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the pasta seems dry, you can add a little more water or broth as needed.
Please note that the pasta may not be as saucy or creamy after reheating, but it will still be delicious. If you want to add more moisture, you can stir in a little more cream or broth before reheating.
Nutritional Information
If you’re watching your calorie intake, you’ll be happy to know that one serving of French onion pasta contains around 400-500 calories. However, keep in mind that the calorie count can vary depending on the type of pasta you use and the amount of cheese you add.
In terms of macronutrients, one serving of French onion pasta typically contains around 20-25 grams of protein, 50-60 grams of carbohydrates, and 10-15 grams of fat. It’s also a good source of fiber, with around 5-7 grams per serving.
If you’re concerned about sodium intake, it’s worth noting that French onion pasta can be quite high in sodium due to the use of beef broth and other flavorings. One serving can contain around 800-1000 mg of sodium, which is about 35-45% of your daily recommended intake.
Overall, French onion pasta can be a delicious and satisfying meal, but it’s important to keep an eye on portion sizes and be mindful of the ingredients you use. With the right balance of pasta, cheese, and vegetables, you can enjoy this dish without going overboard on calories or sodium.
Possible Variations
There are many ways to customize this French onion pasta recipe to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Meat Lovers: Add cooked bacon or pancetta to the recipe for an extra savory flavor.
- Vegetarian: Omit the beef broth and use vegetable broth instead. You can also add more mushrooms or other vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta.
- Creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the recipe for a creamier texture.
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the recipe for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy: Add more cheese, such as grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella, to the recipe for a cheesier flavor.
Feel free to experiment with different variations until you find your favorite.
Troubleshooting
If you’re having trouble with your French onion pasta, don’t worry. Here are some common issues and their solutions:
Pasta is too dry
If your pasta seems dry, try adding more broth or water. You can also add a little more butter or olive oil to the pan, which will help to moisten the pasta.
Pasta is too watery
If your pasta is too watery, it may be because you added too much broth or water. Try adding a little more pasta to the pan, which will help to absorb some of the excess liquid. You can also try cooking the pasta for a few more minutes, which will help to thicken the sauce.
Onions are burnt
If your onions are burnt, it’s likely that you cooked them for too long or at too high of a temperature. Try cooking them over low heat and stirring them frequently to prevent burning. You can also add a little more butter or olive oil to the pan to prevent sticking.
Pasta is overcooked
If your pasta is overcooked, it may be because you cooked it for too long or at too high of a temperature. Try cooking the pasta for a few minutes less than the package instructions suggest. You can also try cooking the pasta in a separate pot of boiling water, which will allow you to control the cooking time more precisely.
Pasta is undercooked
If your pasta is undercooked, it may be because you didn’t cook it for long enough. Try cooking the pasta for a few more minutes, or until it is tender but still slightly firm to the bite. You can also try adding a little more broth or water to the pan and cooking the pasta for a few more minutes to help it cook through.
With these troubleshooting tips, you should be able to fix any issues that arise while making your French onion pasta.
Read else: What is a Good Substitute for Ground Beef in Pasta?
Conclusion
In conclusion, French onion pasta is a delicious and savory dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich and creamy flavor, it is sure to please your taste buds and leave you wanting more. This pasta dish is easy to make and can be customized to your liking with different types of pasta and variations of ingredients.
One of the great things about French onion pasta is that it can be made in just one pot, making it a convenient and easy meal to prepare. You can also add in different types of vegetables or proteins to make it a complete and satisfying meal.
Overall, French onion pasta is a versatile and tasty dish that is perfect for any time of year. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy night in or serving it to impress your guests, this dish is sure to be a hit. So go ahead and give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!
FAQ:
What are some good French onion pasta recipes without wine?
If you don’t want to use wine in your French onion pasta recipe, you can substitute it with beef or chicken broth. You can also add some balsamic vinegar to give it a tangy flavor. Here’s a recipe that doesn’t use wine.
How do you make French onion pasta with beef?
To make French onion pasta with beef, you can add some ground beef to the recipe. Brown the beef in a skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, cook the onions until they are caramelized. Add the beef back to the skillet along with the pasta, broth, and other ingredients. Here’s a recipe that uses beef.
What is the recipe for French onion pasta by Half Baked Harvest?
The recipe for French onion pasta by Half Baked Harvest includes caramelized onions, garlic, thyme, beef broth, and pasta. You can find the full recipe here.
What is the best way to make French onion pasta with chicken?
To make French onion pasta with chicken, you can add some cooked chicken to the recipe. You can use shredded or diced chicken, depending on your preference. Cook the onions until they are caramelized, then add the chicken to the skillet along with the pasta, broth, and other ingredients. Here’s a recipe that uses chicken.
How do you make a French onion pasta bake?
To make a French onion pasta bake, you can cook the pasta and sauce separately, then combine them in a baking dish. Top the pasta with some grated cheese and breadcrumbs, and bake it in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Here’s a recipe that shows you how to make a French onion pasta bake.
Can you make French onion pasta in a Crockpot?
Yes, you can make French onion pasta in a Crockpot. Simply add all the ingredients to the Crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Here’s a recipe that shows you how to make French onion pasta in a Crockpot.