Description:
This Best-Ever French Onion Pasta Bake combines the comforting, savory flavors of French onion soup with the richness of a cheesy pasta bake. The dish features caramelized onions cooked in butter and wine, mixed with pasta, and topped with melted cheese, creating a perfect blend of sweetness, creaminess, and umami. It’s the ultimate comfort food, great for family dinners or a cozy weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rotini, or macaroni)
4 large onions, thinly sliced
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp sugar (to help caramelize the onions)
1 cup dry white wine (or vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic option)
1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and sugar, stirring occasionally. Cook for 25–30 minutes, or until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized. Be patient, as this step builds the base flavor for your dish.
Add Garlic & Deglaze: Add the minced garlic to the caramelized onions and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Pour in the white wine (or broth), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, until the wine reduces slightly.
Make the Sauce: Stir in the beef (or vegetable) broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then add the heavy cream. Stir in the flour and let the sauce cook for 3-5 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring gently to coat it with the sauce. Stir in 1 cup of Gruyère cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Gruyère and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden and crispy.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Tips:
Onion Caramelization: Don’t rush the caramelizing process! Low and slow heat allows the onions to develop their natural sweetness.
Cheese Choices: Gruyère adds a nutty, melty texture, but you can also use Swiss, fontina, or a combination of cheeses for more flavor variation.
Broth Variations: Use vegetable broth if you’re looking for a vegetarian version. If you want a richer taste, beef broth adds a deep, savory flavor.
Make-Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time! Assemble it completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. You may need to add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Variations:
Add Protein: You can add cooked chicken, bacon, or sausage for extra protein. Just stir it in with the pasta before baking.
Vegetarian Version: Replace the beef broth with vegetable broth and omit any meat to keep the dish vegetarian.
Extra Veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added texture and flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth and cheese are gluten-free to make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Corrections:
Pasta Amount: If you’re using a different type of pasta, adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for perfect results.
Baking Dish Size: Ensure your baking dish is large enough to hold all the pasta and sauce comfortably. If it’s too small, the sauce may overflow during baking.
Enjoy!
This creamy, cheesy Best-Ever French Onion Pasta Bake is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or crispy bread to soak up any extra sauce. Enjoy the rich flavors and the cozy comfort this dish brings to your table!