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Easy French Onion Pasta – Creamy, Cheesy & Weeknight Comfort

If you love the deep, savory flavor of French onion soup, you’re going to fall hard for this Easy French Onion Pasta. It captures everything we crave—slowly caramelized onions, rich umami depth, and a silky, cheesy finish—without the fuss. Best of all, this version is alcohol-free and pork-free, making it family-friendly while still delivering that classic French onion magic. This dish is pure comfort: tender pasta coated in a luscious onion-forward sauce, finished with melty cheese that stretches with every twirl. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or anytime you want a hearty vegetarian-style dinner (with optional protein add-ins if you like). Simple ingredients, big payoff—this pasta earns a permanent spot in your rotation.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Every ingredient plays a role in building deep comforting flavor.
Pasta
  • 12 oz pasta rigatoni, penne, or fettuccine
Onion Base
  • 3 large yellow onions thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Flavor Builders
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon thyme dried or fresh
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon sugar helps caramelization
Sauce (Alcohol-Free)
  • 1½ cups vegetable broth or beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar adds depth without alcohol
  • 1 cup heavy cream
Cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Optional Garnish
  • Fresh parsley or thyme leaves

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wide sauté pan
  • Large pot (for pasta)
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula

Method
 

  1. Follow these steps for perfectly caramelized onion pasta.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
  3. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
  1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add sliced onions and sugar.
  3. Cook slowly for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are deeply golden and caramelized.
  4. Season lightly with salt and black pepper during cooking.
Step 3: Build the Flavor
  1. Add minced garlic and thyme to the onions.
  2. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in garlic powder.
Step 4: Deglaze (No Alcohol)
  1. Pour in vegetable or beef broth.
  2. Scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
  3. Add balsamic vinegar.
  4. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
  1. Lower heat to medium-low.
  2. Stir in heavy cream.
  3. Simmer gently for 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 6: Add Pasta and Cheese
  1. Add cooked pasta to the skillet.
  2. Toss to coat evenly.
  3. Stir in mozzarella and parmesan until melted and creamy.
  4. Add reserved pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
  1. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  2. Remove from heat.
  3. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
  4. Serve hot.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended due to cream and cheese texture.
🥄 Variations
Customize your French onion pasta:
Extra Cheesy
Add more mozzarella on top and broil briefly.
Protein Boost
Add cooked shredded chicken or browned beef strips.
Mushroom Onion
Add sliced mushrooms while caramelizing onions.
Lighter Version
Use half cream and half milk.
Baked Pasta
Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly.
❓ 10 FAQs
Do I need to caramelize onions that long?
Yes, slow cooking builds the signature flavor.
Can I use red onions?
Yellow onions give the best sweetness.
Why balsamic vinegar?
It replaces wine depth without alcohol.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, it’s creamy and mild.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, reheat gently before serving.
What pasta works best?
Short pasta or fettuccine hold sauce well.
Does cheese thicken the sauce?
Yes, especially parmesan.
Can I skip cream?
It changes the texture, but milk can work.
Is this vegetarian?
Yes, when using vegetable broth.
Is this a full meal?
Absolutely—rich and satisfying.
🏁 Conclusion
This Easy French Onion Pasta delivers everything we love about French onion flavor in a creamy, comforting pasta form. With deeply caramelized onions, a silky sauce, and melty cheese, it’s an irresistible dinner that feels indulgent yet simple.
Make it once, and it’ll quickly become one of your favorite comfort meals.