French Onion Pasta Bowls
Craving a dinner that channels the cozy charm of a French café? These French Onion Pasta Bowls are your answer. They capture all the rich, savory essence of classic French onion soup—deeply caramelized onions, beefy broth, and melty Gruyère—then marry it with perfectly cooked pasta for a comforting twist.
Ideal for cool nights, this dish is warm, satisfying, and deceptively simple. It’s fancy enough for guests, yet fuss-free enough for a weeknight.
Serve it with a crisp salad tossed in vinaigrette to balance the richness, and definitely add a crusty baguette to soak up every last drop. Want a more filling meal? Pair with roasted chicken or tender green beans.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Large onions, thinly sliced | 3 |
| Unsalted butter | 4 tablespoons |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 2 |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Dry white wine | 1 cup |
| Beef broth | 4 cups |
| Fresh thyme leaves | 1 tablespoon |
| Bay leaf | 1 |
| Pasta (fusilli or similar) | 12 ounces |
| Gruyère cheese, grated | 1 cup |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Chopped fresh parsley | For garnish |
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add onions, sugar, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and richly golden—about 30 minutes. - Add Garlic
Stir in the garlic and sauté for another minute until aromatic. - Deglaze the Pot
Pour in the wine, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until slightly reduced. - Make the Broth
Add beef broth, thyme, and the bay leaf. Simmer for 10 minutes so the flavors meld together. - Cook the Pasta
While the broth simmers, boil your pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Combine Everything
Remove the bay leaf from the broth. Stir in the cooked pasta and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. - Add the Cheese
Spoon the pasta mixture into serving bowls and top generously with Gruyère. Optional: broil for a few minutes to melt and brown the cheese. - Serve It Up
Finish with chopped parsley and serve warm alongside salad, bread, or your favorite veggie side.
