May 26, 2025 by Marrakech recipes
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this French Onion Pasta Recipe, where the deep, savory flavors of caramelized onions meet creamy Gruyère cheese for a dish that’s both luxurious and easy to make. Whether you call it French onion spaghetti, creamy onion pasta, or gourmet onion pasta, this recipe is a must-try for any pasta lover.
Why You’ll Love This French Onion Pasta
- No alcohol needed – Uses lemon juice for brightness instead of wine
- Same deep flavor from slow-caramelized onions and savory broth
- Ready in 65 minutes with simple ingredients
Looking for more pasta ideas? Try these easy pasta dinners!
Ingredients for French Onion Pasta
Chopped parsley (garnish)
1 lb pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
4 tbsp butter
2 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp sugar (helps caramelization)
1 tbsp lemon juice (replaces wine’s acidity)
4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)
1 tsp fresh thyme
Salt & pepper to taste
1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Caramelize the Onions
- Melt butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat.
- Add onions and sugar. Cook 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown.
2. Build the Sauce
- Stir in lemon juice to deglaze the pot, scraping up browned bits.
- Add broth and thyme. Simmer 15 minutes to reduce slightly.
3. Cook the Pasta
- Boil pasta until al dente, reserving 1 cup pasta water.
- Toss pasta with the onion sauce, adding pasta water as needed for creaminess.
4. Add Cheese & Serve
Top with remaining cheese and parsley. Serve immediately!
Off heat, stir in ½ cup Gruyère.
Expert Tips for the Best French Onion Pasta
✅ Slow-cooked onions = richer flavor.
✅ High-quality broth makes a difference.
✅ Reserve pasta water for a creamier sauce.
✅ Freshly grated cheese melts better.
Variations & Substitutions
- Vegetarian? Use vegetable broth.
- Cheese options: Try Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella.
- Extra creamy? Stir in ½ cup heavy cream.
- Add protein: Chicken, sausage, or mushrooms work great.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this French onion spaghetti with:
- A crisp green salad
- Garlic bread for dipping
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a pan with a splash of broth to keep it creamy.
Final Thoughts
This French Onion Pasta Recipe is a decadent twist on classic flavors, perfect for any occasion. The caramelized onions, rich broth, and melted Gruyère create a dish that’s unforgettable.
Ready to try it? Gather your ingredients and enjoy this gourmet meal tonight!
For more delicious recipes, check out our Perfect Air Fryer Steak or Easy Mississippi Pot Roast
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450
- Carbs: 55g
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 20g
- Sodium: 750mg
Alcohol-Free French Onion Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta spaghetti or fettuccine
- 2 large yellow onions thinly sliced
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp sugar helps caramelization
- 1 tbsp lemon juice replaces wine’s acidity
- 4 cups beef broth or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
- Chopped parsley garnish
Instructions
. Caramelize the Onions
- Melt butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat.
- Add onions and sugar. Cook 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown.
Build the Sauce
- Stir in lemon juice to deglaze the pot, scraping up browned bits.
- Add broth and thyme. Simmer 15 minutes to reduce slightly.
Cook the Pasta
- Boil pasta until al dente, reserving 1 cup pasta water.
- Toss pasta with the onion sauce, adding pasta water as needed for creaminess.
Add Cheese & Serve
- Off heat, stir in ½ cup Gruyère.
- Top with remaining cheese and parsley. Serve immediately!
Notes
- Caramelize Slowly: Low and slow is key to bringing out the onions’ sweetness.
- Use Good Quality Broth: The flavor impacts the final dish.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Creates a creamy and cohesive sauce.
- Grate Your Own Cheese: Melts better and has superior flavor.
