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Steaming bowl of French onion pasta with melted Gruyère cheese pull, garnished with parsley, on slate background

Alcohol-Free French Onion Pasta Recipe

This French Onion Pasta delivers all the decadent flavors of caramelized onions and Gruyère cheese without wine
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 5
Calories 450 kcal

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.
Keyword French onion pasta, creamy onion pasta, French onion spaghetti, gourmet onion pasta, caramelized onion pasta, pasta recipe, easy pasta dinner