French Onion Pasta
Elevate your pasta game with this rich and comforting French Onion Pasta recipe. Inspired by the classic flavors of French onion soup, this dish combines caramelized onions, aromatic garlic, and fragrant herbs with hearty ditalini pasta for a satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor.
Simmered in a savory beef stock infused with Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and a touch of thyme, every bite of this pasta is a taste of culinary indulgence. Topped with homemade garlic parmesan croutons for an added crunch, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds and warm your soul.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, French Onion Pasta is a delicious and comforting option that’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Let’s dive in and savor the comforting flavors of this delightful dish!
French Onion Pasta
Ingredients
6 yellow or white onions
6 cloves of garlic
Bundle of fresh time
2 bay leaves
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp dijon mustard
8 cups beef stock
1 lb ditalini pasta
1 parmesan rind
Butter
Olive oil
Instructions:
Sautée your onions and garlic with s&p in a large dutch oven in butter and olive oil for 25 minutes over medium heat.
Add Worcestershire sauce, Dijon, bay leaves, thyme, parmesan rind, and stock.
Simmer for as long or as little as you’d like! Add pasta in the last 8-10 minutes of cooking. More s&p to taste.
For the croutons, just toss some cubed day-old bread in olive oil, garlic powder, grated parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Toast for a few minutes under the broiler.
Notes:
Caramelize the Onions Slowly: Take your time when caramelizing the onions to achieve a deep, rich flavor. Cooking them low and slow over medium heat for at least 25 minutes allows the natural sugars to develop and adds complexity to the dish.
Use Fresh Herbs: Whenever possible, opt for fresh thyme and bay leaves instead of dried herbs. Fresh herbs impart a more vibrant flavor to the dish, enhancing its overall taste.
Choose High-Quality Beef Stock: The quality of the beef stock greatly influences the flavor of the pasta sauce. Use a high-quality beef stock or homemade broth for the best results.
Adjust Simmering Time: While the recipe suggests simmering the sauce for as long or as little as you’d like, allowing it to simmer for at least 30-45 minutes can intensify the flavors and develop a richer sauce. However, if you’re short on time, even a shorter simmering time will still yield a delicious pasta.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Add the ditalini pasta to the sauce towards the end of cooking and cook it just until al dente. Overcooking the pasta can result in a mushy texture, so keep a close eye on it to ensure it’s perfectly cooked.
Save Parmesan Rinds: If you regularly use Parmesan cheese, save the rinds in the freezer to use in recipes like this one. The Parmesan rind adds a depth of flavor to the sauce as it simmers and can be removed before serving.
Make Extra Croutons: Homemade garlic Parmesan croutons are a delicious addition to the pasta. Consider making extra croutons to serve on the side or for snacking—they’re sure to be a hit!
Customize the Croutons: Feel free to customize the croutons by adding additional seasonings or herbs to suit your taste preferences. Experiment with different types of bread or cheeses for variations in flavor and texture.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, garnish the French Onion Pasta with fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
Serve with a Side Salad: Balance the richness of the pasta with a crisp side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The salad’s acidity and freshness complement the savory flavors of the dish perfectly.
Nutrition Information:
1 Serving
Calories: 400 | Protein: 15 grams | Carbohydrates: 60 grams | Fat: 10 grams | Fiber: 5 grams
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?
Yes, you can use different pasta shapes based on your preference.
While the recipe suggests ditalini, feel free to choose another small pasta like penne or elbow macaroni.
How long should I simmer the soup for the best flavor?
The simmering time is flexible, and you can adjust it based on your preference.
Simmering for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld, but you can simmer longer for a richer taste.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by substituting vegetable stock for beef stock.
Additionally, omitting the Worcestershire sauce or using a vegetarian alternative will make the dish entirely vegetarian.
What can I use as a substitute for fresh thyme?
If fresh thyme is not available, you can use dried thyme.
However, use approximately half the amount of dried thyme, as dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh.
Can I prepare the croutons ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the croutons in advance.
Store them in an airtight container once cooled.
When ready to serve, you can reheat them in the oven or briefly under the broiler for a crispy texture.
Can I use a different type of onion for this recipe?
Yes, you can use yellow or white onions as suggested, or try sweet onions for a milder flavor.
Experimenting with different onion varieties can add unique nuances to the dish.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make the French Onion Pasta vegetarian, substitute vegetable stock for beef stock.
You can also enhance the umami flavor by adding a splash of soy sauce or a vegetarian Worcestershire sauce.
Is there a substitute for fresh thyme in this recipe?
If fresh thyme is unavailable, you can use dried thyme as a substitute.
Keep in mind that dried herbs are more potent, so adjust the quantity accordingly (typically half the amount of fresh).
Can I freeze the leftovers?
While the pasta might absorb some liquid upon reheating, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container.
Consider slightly undercooking the pasta if you plan to freeze a portion to help maintain its texture.
What can I use instead of ditalini pasta?
Ditalini pasta works well in this recipe, but you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, small shells, or penne.
Choose a shape that complements the hearty soup.