French Onion Soup Pasta Recipe
If you’re looking for a cozy and comforting meal that brings the warmth of home, you’ve got to try this French Onion Soup Pasta Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on the classic French onion soup, transformed into a creamy pasta dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. The combination of sweet, caramelized onions and rich, cheesy sauce makes it an instant favorite at the dinner table!
This recipe is not just about flavor—it’s also incredibly easy to whip up! Whether you’re juggling a busy weeknight or planning a special dinner, this dish comes together beautifully without fuss. Trust me; your loved ones will be asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously comforting: The rich flavors of caramelized onions combined with creamy sauce create a dish that feels like a warm hug.
- Easy to prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, this recipe is accessible even for beginner cooks.
- Family-friendly appeal: Everyone will love digging into this cheesy pasta, making it perfect for family dinners.
- Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare it in advance and bake it just before serving, saving time when you’re ready to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients to make this delicious pasta dish! With everything fresh and flavorful, you’ll see how easy it is to create something magical.
For the Topping
- 1/2 Baguette
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 2 tsp Oregano
For the Pasta
- 300 g Cavatappi Macaroni
- 5 Onions (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 3 cups Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 1 tbsp Flour + 3 tbsp water (for bécchicken chicken hamel)
- 1 tsp Sugar
- Fresh Parsley (chopped)
Seasoning
- 2 tsp Salt
- 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tbsp Smoked Paprika Powder
- 1/2 tsp Nutmeg
Variations
One of the best things about this French Onion Soup Pasta Recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste or use what you have on hand.
- Swap the protein: If you’re looking for extra protein, try adding shredded chicken or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- Change up the cheese: While Parmesan adds great flavor, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for a unique twist.
- Add some veggies: Toss in some fresh spinach or steamed broccoli for added nutrition and color.
- Make it spicy: For those who enjoy heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when cooking the onions!
How to Make French Onion Soup Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Start by thinly slicing your onions into long strips. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Sauté the onions slowly for about 30–40 minutes until they turn golden brown. This step is crucial because caramelizing the onions allows their natural sweetness to develop fully. Stir occasionally and be patient—the result will be worth it!
Step 2: Prepare the Bécchicken Chicken Hamel Sauce
If your onions start sticking to the pan, don’t worry—just add in some beef broth and let them simmer for another 10 minutes. Once they’re beautifully caramelized, set them aside and prepare your bécchicken chicken hamel sauce. In the same skillet, melt butter over low-medium heat, whisk in flour, then gradually add heavy cream. This creates a thickened sauce that’s creamy and luscious.
Step 3: Combine Flavors
Stir in two-thirds of your caramelized onions into the sauce along with salt, pepper, chopped parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let everything simmer together; this allows all those wonderful flavors to meld beautifully!
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook your cavatappi macaroni until just shy of al dente. Since it will continue cooking in the oven later on, slightly undercooking it ensures perfect texture in every bite.
Step 5: Mix Everything Together
Combine your cooked pasta with that rich bécchicken chicken hamel sauce until every piece is well coated. This step ensures that each noodle gets all that delicious flavor!
Step 6: Assemble & Bake
Transfer your pasta mixture into a baking dish. Top with the remaining caramelized onions and homemade breadcrumbs if you’ve made them. Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes until the top is golden brown and crisp—this adds an irresistible crunch!
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!
Once out of the oven, allow it to cool briefly before serving. Enjoy every hearty mouthful of your French Onion Soup Pasta! It’s rich enough to be satisfying yet comforting enough to keep everyone coming back for more!
Pro Tips for Making French Onion Soup Pasta Recipe
Creating this delightful French Onion Soup Pasta is a wonderful experience, and with a few pro tips, you can ensure it turns out perfectly every time!
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Caramelize Slowly: Take your time when caramelizing the onions. A gradual cooking process allows the natural sugars to develop, resulting in rich, sweet flavors that are essential for this dish.
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Use Quality Broth: Opt for a high-quality beef broth or homemade broth if possible. This adds depth and enhances the overall flavor of your sauce, making it truly delicious.
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Don’t Skip the Nutmeg: Adding just a hint of nutmeg to your bécchicken chicken hamel sauce elevates the taste profile. It provides warmth and a subtle complexity that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
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Optimal Pasta Cooking: Remember to cook your pasta just shy of al dente. This ensures it doesn’t become mushy when baked, allowing it to absorb some of the sauce while remaining perfectly tender.
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Crispy Topping is Key: For an irresistible texture, make sure your breadcrumb topping is well-seasoned and golden brown. This adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy pasta beneath.
How to Serve French Onion Soup Pasta Recipe
Presenting your French Onion Soup Pasta can be just as enjoyable as preparing it! Here are some ideas to make your dish shine on the table.
Garnishes
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also brings a burst of freshness that brightens up the rich flavors of the dish.
- Extra Grated Parmesan: Serve with additional grated Parmesan on top for those who love an extra cheesy experience—because more cheese is always better!
Side Dishes
- Garlic Bread: The perfect complement to any pasta dish, garlic bread offers a warm, buttery flavor that pairs well with the creamy sauce.
- Simple Green Salad: A light green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness and adds freshness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables bring earthy flavors and a bit of crunch; think carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini drizzled with olive oil and herbs.
- Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus spears add elegance to your meal while providing a vibrant color contrast and a nutritious side option.
Enjoy serving this heartwarming French Onion Soup Pasta at your next gathering; it’s sure to impress family and friends alike!

Make Ahead and Storage
This French Onion Soup Pasta Recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip it up ahead of time and store it for later, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Storing Leftovers
- Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- It will keep well for up to 3 days.
- To prevent the pasta from drying out, you can drizzle a little olive oil over it before sealing the container.
Freezing
- If you want to freeze this dish, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
- For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through (about 15-20 minutes).
- You can also microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe:
Can I make this French Onion Soup Pasta Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the beef broth with vegetable broth, and you will have a delightful vegetarian version that still packs plenty of flavor.
What type of cheese works best in this French Onion Soup Pasta Recipe?
While Parmesan adds a lovely flavor, you could also use Gruyère or mozzarella for a different twist. Feel free to mix and match based on your preference!
How long does this French Onion Soup Pasta Recipe take to prepare?
This recipe takes about 85 minutes from start to finish, including preparation and cooking time. It’s well worth the wait for such a comforting dish!
Can I use other pasta shapes for this recipe?
Yes! While cavatappi works beautifully, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you have on hand such as penne or fusilli.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! You can swap heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in crafting this delightful French Onion Soup Pasta Recipe! It’s a heartwarming dish that brings comfort and satisfaction with every bite. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy night in or sharing with loved ones, I trust you’ll savor each moment spent cooking and indulging. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with delicious aromas!
French Onion Soup Pasta Recipe
Indulge in a comforting and creamy twist on the classic French onion soup with our delightful French Onion Soup Pasta Recipe. This cozy dish combines the rich flavors of sweet caramelized onions with a luscious cheese sauce, making it the perfect meal for chilly evenings or family gatherings. It’s simple to prepare, ensuring you can enjoy this hearty pasta even on busy weeknights. With its inviting aroma and satisfying textures, each bite feels like a warm hug. Serve it up with a crispy topping and watch as your loved ones come back for seconds. This recipe is not just delicious; it’s an experience that transforms mealtime into a cherished moment.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
- 300 g Cavatappi macaroni
- 5 onions (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 baguette (for topping)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 2 tsp Oregano
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tbsp Smoked Paprika Powder
- 1/2 tsp Nutmeg
- 1 tbsp Flour + 3 tbsp water (for sauce)
- Fresh Parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Sauté thinly sliced onions in olive oil over medium heat for 30–40 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add beef broth to the caramelized onions. Then whisk together flour and heavy cream in another pan to create a bécchicken sauce.
- Combine Flavors: Stir two-thirds of the caramelized onions into the sauce along with salt, pepper, parsley, and Parmesan cheese.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil cavatappi macaroni until just under al dente, then mix it into the creamy sauce.
- Assemble & Bake: Transfer to a baking dish, top with remaining onions and breadcrumbs if desired. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool briefly before serving; enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 549
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 102mg