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With all the comfort of French Onion Soup plus pasta, this French Onion Pasta is our new favorite pasta recipe. Everything is cooked in one pot, including the pasta! If you love French onion soup, you are going to love this pasta version even more.
save this recipe!I was scrolling TikTok, as one does in the evening, and stumbled on French onion soup pasta. Wait – what did I just see?? Soup in pasta form? I’m listening.
This recipe was packed with onions, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce – all the components of a great French onion soup. I’d seen enough, I knew I needed to make a vegetarian version.
What I came up with is a simple recipe that’s all made in one pot. The key to developing lots of flavor is to let the onions caramelize on the stove for a while (we’re talking 45+ minutes). Add a splash of vegan Worcestershire sauce and a pinch of nutmeg (a classic French trick) for the ultimate flavor.
You’ll have it on rotation
- Made in one pot which saves you from cleaning more dishes. No one likes extra dishes when trying to get dinner on the table.
- Pantry staple ingredients like onions, pasta, broth, spices, and cheese. We do use some more specialty cheeses but they are available at nearly all stores now!
- Customizable with the pasta shape or type you pick and additions you might add. An example would be to add white beans and use protein pasta or make this with shell noodles.
Here’s what you’ll need
Ok, these are all pantry staple ingredients and they are either shelf stable or have a long life span in the fridge. Here’s a quick overview of the main ingredients. Be sure to scroll to the recipe card for the full list of ingredients.
- Onions: The star of the show! Use white or yellow – you could even mix in a few red onions.
- Pasta: I use campanelle pasta because it’s fun and floppy, but any kind of pasta will work!
- Gruyere: This cheese is similar to a white cheddar. It has a nutty and creamy flavor that’s perfect to pair with sweet onions!
Which Onion to Use
You’re probably familiar with the different varieties of onions, but what’s the difference besides color? Generally, white onions are the most mild, red is the most pungent and sharp, and yellow is somewhere in the middle.
How to make French Onion Soup Pasta
Here are the basic steps to make this pasta. The full instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post!
- Prep the onions and cook them in butter
- Caramelize the onions for about an hour (anyone who tells you that you can caramelize onions in less time is lying)
- Flavor it with white wine, herbs, and broth
- Add the pasta to the same pot and cook
- Stir in the cheese and cream and enjoy
Why this Recipe Works
- Two cheeses provide the best flavor. Parmesan brings saltiness and gruyere brings gooey creaminess.
- Classic flavors of traditional French onion soup, including a pinch of nutmeg for extra richness and depth. I wanted to keep the flavors of this pasta very true to the classic French onion soup because that’s what we are after, after all!
- It can easily be made gluten-free by simply swapping the pasta for gluten-free pasta.
Serve it with…
As with any pasta dish, it’s a love affair that can be paired with just about anything. I lean towards contrasting flavors and textures, so here are my favorites.
- Crunchy Kale Chickpea Salad can be whipped up while the onions cook.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts are crispy and delicious and can be popped in the oven while your pasta cooks on the stove.
French Onion Pasta (Vegetarian)
Ingredients
- 3 lb white or yellow onions, sliced
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, 56 g
- 1 Tbsp oil, 15 mL
- ½ tsp each salt and pepper
- ½ cup dry white wine, 120 mL
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- pinch nutmeg, optional
- 4 cups vegan beef broth, 1 L, we like the Better Than Bouillon No Beef Vegan Base, can sub vegetable broth
- 2 cups water, 473 mL
- 1 tsp vegan Worcestershire sauce, 5 mL
- 1 lb pasta, any shape, we used campanelle, can use gluten-free
- 1 cup grated gruyere cheese, 90 g
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, 40 g
- ½ cup heavy cream, 120 mL
Instructions
- Prep Onions: Slice 3 lb white or yellow onions thinly into strips. Melt 4 Tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat in a large pan or pot. Add the onions and ½ tsp each salt and pepper.
- Caramelize Onions: Cook, uncovered, over medium heat for 45 to 60 minutes. You can stir less in the beginning, but will need to stir often towards the end. If onions begin to brown too quickly and become crispy, reduce heat. Patience is key!
- Flavor It: Add ½ cup dry white wine to the pan and stir to deglaze (scraping all the flavor bits off the bottom of the pan to reincorporate them into the sauce). Add 4 cloves garlic (minced), ½ tsp dried thyme, and a pinch nutmeg (optional). Cook for another minute.
- Add Pasta: Stir in 4 cups vegan beef broth2 cups water, and 1 tsp vegan Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer, then add 1 lb pasta, pressing the pasta down into the broth to fully submerge it. Cover and cook until pasta is al dente, about 10 minutes (this depends on the shape; check your box for exact times).
- Serve: Remove from heat. Stir in 1 cup grated gruyere cheese, ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, and ½ cup heavy cream. Serve warm!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information calculated by Sarah Bond, degreed nutritionist.
did you make this?Leave a comment below and tag @liveeatlearn on social media! I love seeing what you’ve made!
This looks so delicious! My mouth is watering and I can’t wait to try it!
I can’t wait for you to try it too! Enjoy!! 😀
This is a great alternative to pasta with marinara, and an easy weeknight option. Thanks.
This was wonderful. I never would have thought of pasta and french onion, but it works!
Delicious recipe. I love french onion soup, but never thought to make it as a pasta sauce. So good!
I’m so thrilled to hear how much you loved it, Laura! Happy eating 😀
I made this with couscous, and it was delicious! Will definitely add this to my pasta rotation.
Oh yum!! So happy you loved it!