Best-Ever French Onion Pasta Bake

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Best-Ever French Onion Pasta Bake

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This French Onion Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining caramelized onions, creamy cheese sauce, and al dente pasta baked to perfection. It’s inspired by the classic French onion soup but turned into a hearty and cheesy pasta dish. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions!

📜 Ingredients

For the Caramelized Onions

  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for added depth)
  • 1 tsp sugar (to speed up caramelization)
  • ½ cup beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)

For the Pasta & Sauce

  • 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese
  • ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for extra cheesiness)

For Topping & Baking

  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • ½ cup crushed croutons or panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tbsp butter, melted
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions

  1. In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium-low heat.
  2. Add sliced onions, salt, and pepper. Cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown.
  3. Add sugar and balsamic vinegar (if using), then stir in the beef broth. Cook until the liquid is absorbed. Set aside.
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2. Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
  2. Slowly pour in the beef broth, followed by the heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
  3. Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and thyme. Let simmer for 3 minutes until thickened.
  4. Stir in Gruyère, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese until smooth.

4. Combine & Bake

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, caramelized onions, and cheese sauce. Toss until fully coated.
  3. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  4. Top with Gruyère cheese, crushed croutons, and melted butter.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
  6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm!

🍽️ Servings & Nutritional Info

Servings: 6-8

Per Serving (Approximate):

  • Calories: 520
  • Protein: 18g
  • Carbs: 52g
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 780mg

(Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)

📝 Recipe Notes & Tips

✅ Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with roasted cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
✅ Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
✅ Vegetarian Alternative: Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
✅ More Depth of Flavor: Add a splash of white wine while caramelizing the onions.
✅ Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for best results.

See also  Air Fryer Zucchini Bread Recipe

🌟 Health Benefits

✔ Rich in Antioxidants – Onions contain quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that reduces inflammation.
✔ Protein-Packed – Cheese and pasta provide a good source of protein for muscle repair and energy.
✔ Calcium Boost – Gruyère and Parmesan are loaded with calcium, great for bone health.
✔ Comfort Food with Nutrients – While indulgent, this dish also contains healthy fats and fiber from whole ingredients.

❓ Q&A

Q: Can I use a different cheese?
A: Absolutely! Try Swiss, white cheddar, or provolone for a twist.

Q: How do I make it gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free pasta and swap all-purpose flour for cornstarch or a GF flour blend.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes! Assemble, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen at 375°F, adding 10 extra minutes.

Q: What pairs well with this pasta bake?
A: A crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or a side of garlic bread.

This Best-Ever French Onion Pasta Bake is the perfect blend of savory, cheesy, and cozy flavors! Try it and let me know how it turns out! 😍🍝

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