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Creamy French Onion and Browned Butter Pasta dish topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley in a gray bowl.

French Onion and Browned Butter Pasta

A rich and cozy pasta dish inspired by the flavors of French onion soup — caramelized onions, browned butter, herbs, and melty cheese wrapped around tender pasta.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: French Inspired, Fusion
Calories: 390
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Onion Base
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 large onions thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
Pasta & Cheese
  • 12 oz pasta linguine or fettuccine
  • 0.5 cup pasta water reserved
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella optional

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Pot for Pasta

Method
 

  1. In a large skillet, heat butter over medium heat until melted and browned, becoming golden and nutty.
  2. Add sliced onions and olive oil. Cook 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized.
  3. Season with salt, black pepper, thyme, and garlic powder. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute to form a light roux.
  4. Slowly add vegetable broth while stirring. Bring to a simmer and cook 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  6. Add cooked pasta to onion mixture. Toss to coat, adding pasta water if needed for silkiness.
  7. Stir in Parmesan and optional mozzarella until melted and creamy.
  8. Finish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

For deeper flavor, let the onions caramelize even longer — slow cooking transforms them beautifully.