Description
This creamy French onion pasta tastes like classic French onion soup turned into a rich, comforting skillet dinner. Caramelized onions simmer in beef broth and cream with tender ditalini pasta, then get topped with melty Gruyère cheese and toasted breadcrumbs.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
4 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1½ cups ditalini pasta
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella
¼ cup grated Parmesan
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Fresh thyme (optional)
Optional topping
½ cup toasted breadcrumbs
Instructions
1. Caramelize the onions
Heat butter and olive oil in a large stainless skillet over medium heat.
Add sliced onions and sugar and cook slowly for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft, deep golden, and caramelized.
2. Add garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Build the sauce
Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Cook the pasta
Add the ditalini pasta directly into the skillet. Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.
5. Add the cheese
Reduce heat to low and stir in Gruyère, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
6. Finish with toppings
Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs and extra Gruyère over the top. Broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden for a French onion soup-style finish.
Notes
Caramelizing the onions slowly is the key to the deep flavor in this dish.
Gruyère cheese gives the pasta the classic French onion soup taste, but Swiss cheese also works well.
If the pasta thickens too much while sitting, add a splash of beef broth or cream when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 30 MINUTES
- Category: Dinner, DINNER | PASTA
- Method: ONE POT, SKILLET
- Cuisine: AMERICAN | FRENCH INSPIRED