I am so glad you are here. This recipe takes the deep, savory flavors of French onion soup and turns them into a simple, creamy pasta dish you can make in just one pot. It is comfort food made easy for your weeknight dinner.
Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven or deep pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized and sweet. Do not rush this step; this builds the main flavor.
Stir in the fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
Pour in the white wine or extra broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 1 minute until the liquid is mostly evaporated.
Pour in the 4 cups of beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the uncooked pasta.
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. The pasta should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed.
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Stir in the Gruyère cheese and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.
Serve the French onion pasta immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley. This is a great option for minimal cleanup meals.
Notes
For an even richer flavor, use high-quality beef broth. This recipe captures the French onion soup flavor perfectly.
If you want to add a salty, crispy element, cook 2 ounces of prosciutto until crisp and crumble it over the top before serving.
If you do not have Gruyère, use Swiss cheese, though Gruyère provides the most authentic flavor for this comforting meal.