Name: Delicious French Onion Pasta Bake: A Cozy Classic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 large yellow onions (thinly sliced); 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme); 2 garlic cloves (minced); 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; ½ cup dry white wine (optional, can sub extra broth); 3 cups beef broth (low sodium); 1 pound penne (or similar); 1 cup Gruyère cheese (shredded); 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded); ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

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French Onion Pasta Bake takes everything you love about classic French onion soup and turns it into a cozy, cheesy pasta dinner. This dish is creamy, comforting, and wildly simple to pull off. With just a few steps, you can enjoy a hearty meal that brings warmth to your table. You’ll have layers of flavor from caramelized onions, rich broth, and melted cheese that makes it a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This French Onion Pasta Bake

This French onion pasta casserole is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Here are a few reasons to fall in love with it:

Comforting and hearty, perfect for chilly evenings.
Easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Rich and cheesy, satisfying all your cravings.
Versatile with options for chicken or vegetarian ingredients.
Can be made in one pot, simplifying cleanup.
Great for leftovers, making it a perfect meal prep option.

With its creamy texture and cheesy goodness, this baked French onion pasta recipe is sure to please everyone at the dinner table.

Ingredients for French Onion Pasta Bake

Gather these items:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 large yellow onions (thinly sliced)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ cup dry white wine (optional, can sub extra broth)
3 cups beef broth (low sodium)
1 pound penne (or similar)
1 cup Gruyère cheese (shredded)
1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

How to Make French Onion Pasta Bake Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Step 2: Melt the butter in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions, salt, and pepper. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are deeply caramelized.
Step 3: Stir in the thyme and garlic. Cook for 1 minute, then sprinkle the flour over the onions. Stir and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 4: Pour in the wine, scraping up any browned bits, and cook until mostly evaporated, about 2 minutes. Stir in the beef broth and bring to a simmer.
Step 5: Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just shy of al dente. Drain well.
Step 6: Add the pasta to the onion mixture and stir to coat. Sprinkle with Gruyère, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
Step 7: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Serve hot, garnished with extra thyme if desired.

Pro Tips for the Best French Onion Pasta Bake

Keep these in mind:

Use low sodium beef broth for better control of saltiness.
Feel free to substitute pasta shapes based on preference.
Garnish with fresh herbs for added flavor.
For an extra cheesy experience, add more Gruyère or mozzarella on top before baking.

Best Ways to Serve French Onion Pasta Bake

This creamy French onion pasta dish can be served alongside a fresh salad or homemade garlic bread. Pair it with a light white wine to complement the richness of the cheese.

Consider making it a complete meal by adding a protein like chicken or beef. A French onion pasta bake with chicken creates a satisfying option for a cozy dinner.

How to Store and Reheat French Onion Pasta Bake

To store leftovers, allow the pasta bake to cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

This easy French onion pasta bake recipe is great for meal prep, ensuring you have delicious dinners ready to go throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions About French Onion Pasta Bake

What’s the secret to perfect French Onion Pasta Bake?

The key to a perfect baked French onion pasta recipe is the caramelization of the onions. Take your time to cook them until they are deeply golden for maximum flavor.

Can I make French Onion Pasta Bake ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the creamy French onion pasta bake a day in advance. Just assemble it and refrigerate until you are ready to bake.

How do I avoid common mistakes with French Onion Pasta Bake?

To avoid soggy pasta, ensure you don’t overcook it before mixing with the sauce. Cooking it just shy of al dente is essential.

Variations of French Onion Pasta Bake You Can Try

Explore different takes on this dish:

Vegetarian French onion pasta bake: Use vegetable broth and add some spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
French onion pasta bake with beef: Incorporate cooked ground beef for a heartier meal.
French onion pasta bake with bread crumbs: Top with breadcrumbs before baking for a crispy finish.

Each variation enhances the dish while keeping the essence of the classic French onion flavor.

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making creamy potato soup for a comforting meal. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, gingerbread cookies are a perfect choice during the holiday season.

For more information on the health benefits of onions, you can visit Healthline.

Delicious French Onion Pasta Bake: A Cozy Classic

Author: basmer
Total Time: 65 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This French Onion Pasta Bake takes everything you love about classic French onion soup and turns it into a cozy, cheesy pasta dinner. It’s creamy, comforting, and wildly simple to pull off.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Melt the butter in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions, salt, and pepper. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are deeply caramelized.
Stir in the thyme and garlic. Cook for 1 minute, then sprinkle the flour over the onions. Stir and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes.
Pour in the wine, scraping up any browned bits, and cook until mostly evaporated, about 2 minutes. Stir in the beef broth and bring to a simmer.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just shy of al dente. Drain well.
Add the pasta to the onion mixture and stir to coat. Sprinkle with Gruyère, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve hot, garnished with extra thyme if desired.