Creamy French Onion Pasta

Name: French Onion Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 12 oz tagliatelle; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided); 1 cup panko bread crumbs; Flaky salt; ½ teaspoon lemon zest and juice (plus more for serving); ½ cup caramelized onion jam*; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option); ½ cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Gruyère cheese; Salt and pepper (to taste); 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley; Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Jump to Recipe

French onion soup, but in noodle form—it’s comfort food reinvented! This French Onion Pasta is paired with silky tagliatelle will have you ditching the spoon and grabbing a fork instead.

It’s like that cute dress in your closet that can be dressed up with heels and (a nice glass of wine), or dressed down with sneakers when (you casually whipping it up in 20 minutes on a random Tuesday) — either way, it’s always a showstopper

A plate of French onion pasta with a fork with pasta twirled to the side.

Table of Contents

The rich broth, melty cheese, and caramelized onions—who doesn’t love a big bowl of French onion soup? But what if I told you those same familiar flavors could be transformed into a pasta dish?

French onion pasta is a quick 20-minute meal that’ll totally save your weeknight dinner routine. Drive home comfort and simplicity by serving it alongside a baby gem salad and some crusty bread with the best olive oil bread dip for an excellent date night at home.

Need more easy pasta dishes to add to your weeknight line up? Try this Linguine with Clam Sauce and my Spring Pea Pasta.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort Classic with a Spin: All the rich, cheesy, and onion-y flavors of the classic soup, now twirled into a hearty pasta with finishing touches like toasted panko, fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of Parmesan for that perfect bite. Kind of like how I turned cheeseburgers into cheeseburger pasta salad!
Cheese Lover’s Dream: Cheese makes everything better, and this dish is loaded with both Gruyère and Parmesan.
Dinner Without Stress: From stovetop to table in just 20 minutes—no need for a fancy restaurant kitchen.

Jordan

Ingredients You Will Need

Labeled ingredients for french onion pasta.

Tagliatelle Pasta: This flat, ribbon-like pasta has a delicate texture and a larger surface area, perfect for absorbing all the rich sauce and flavors.
Oil and Butter: A combo of olive oil and butter helps crisp up the panko, giving it a golden, toasty finish. The butter also helps release the garlic’s aroma into the onion jam for extra depth.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Think of them as the crouton on top—these crumbs add a crunchy, toasted texture that makes every bite elegant when sprinkled over the tagliatelle.
Cream and Cheeses: Heavy cream adds a smooth, velvety texture to the sauce, while Gruyère melts easily, and Parmesan finishes it off with a salty kick.
Caramelized Onion Jam: Carrying over that sweet, rich depth from French onion soup, this jam is the key to adding complexity and comforting flavors to the French onion pasta recipe.
Flour and Broth: Flour creates a roux to thicken the sauce, while beef broth gives it a hearty base, mimicking the classic French onion soup flavors.
Aromatics: Garlic brings a punch of savory flavor, while lemon juice and zest add a fresh, zesty contrast that balances the richness.
Herbs and Seasoning: Thyme offers an earthy note that pairs well with caramelized onions, parsley adds a pop of freshness and flaky sea salt enhances the panko topping.

*For a detailed list of instructions, ingredients and measurements, please reference the recipe card down below.

Substitutions

Pasta: No tagliatelle? Any long, wide pasta like fettuccine or pappardelle will work just as well! I’ve even made this pasta with gamelli pasta.
Panko: Out of panko? Regular breadcrumbs or crushed-up croutons will do the trick and still add that crunch.
Cheese: If Gruyère isn’t on hand, Fontina is a really good, melty alternative for this creamy caramelized onion pasta.
Caramelized Onion Jam: If you can’t find onion jam, simply replace it with 1 medium onion, thinly sliced, and caramelized.

How to Make French Onion Pasta

Toasted breadcrumbs in a skillet with lemon zest added.

Step 1: Toast the Topping. Sauté the panko breadcrumbs in olive oil and butter for 4-5 minutes until the breadcrumbs are golden and crispy. Stir in flaky salt and some lemon zest.

Adding beef broth to a skillet with cooked onion jam.

Step 2: Make the Sauce. Sauté the garlic with melted butter until fragrant. Stir in the onion jam and thyme. Cook for 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Last, gradually add the beef broth to the skillet and simmer to thicken.

Cream and shredded cheese added to the skillet of French onion pasta sauce.

Step 3: Finish the Sauce. Stir in the cream and Gruyère over low heat and cook until smooth. Slowly add the reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Give it a taste and add seasoning to your own personal tastes.

French onion pasta in a skillet with a wooden spoon resting to the side.

Step 4: Toss, Serve and Enjoy. Toss the cooked noodles into the sauce, making sure it’s evenly coated. Serve and garnish with fresh parsley, Parmesan, panko, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Start twirling the pasta on your fork and enjoy!

Tips

Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. For a smoother sauce, gradually add pasta water, being careful not to make it too thin. If it does become too thin, mix a slurry of equal parts flour and water, then simmer until the sauce thickens.
Perfectly Cooked Pasta: To avoid overcooking, check your pasta a couple of minutes before the time on the package. You want it just al dente, with a little bite, since it will continue cooking when mixed with the sauce.
Pasta Water Purpose: Don’t toss the water! It’s your secret weapon for thinning out your French onion pasta sauce and making it silky smooth, so it clings better to the noodles. Saving pasta water is one of my favorite tricks for silky sauces — I also use it when making my One Pan Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Spaghetti for extra lusciousness.

Variations

Make it Vegetarian: Swap the beef broth for vegetable broth to keep the French onion flavors while making it vegetarian-friendly.
Give it a Protein Boost: Add some pan-seared chicken for a protein-packed meal.
Bake it Up: Turn this into a baked French onion soup pasta dish by adding the pasta to a baking dish with panko on top along and an extra a layer of cheese. Bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Lighten it Up: Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half. It’s a bit less creamy but still so good!

Recipe FAQs

How do I store French onion pasta?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place them in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. If the noodles seem sticky, drizzle a little olive oil to loosen it up.

Is this a good make-ahead meal?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and pasta ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the sauce and pasta, then toss and garnish with fresh toppings.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap out the pasta for a gluten-free alternative and replace the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Be sure to use gluten-free broth as well.

A plate of French onion pasta with a twirled pasta on a fork held above it.

More Reinvented Pasta Recipes You’ll Love

I’ve been really into pasta salad recipes lately, but not your typical old fashioned kind!

If you tried this French Onion Pasta or any other recipe on my blog please leave a 🌟 star rating and tell me how it went in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you!