Best-Ever French Onion Pasta Bake

A comforting fusion of French onion soup and pasta, combining caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and melted Gruyère cheese into one irresistible dish.

Ingredients

1. Caramelize the Onions:
   • In a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15–20 minutes until softened and golden brown.
   • Stir in the garlic, sugar, and salt, cooking for an additional 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
2. Deglaze the Pan:
   • Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
   • Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the wine reduces slightly.
3. Build the Sauce:
   • Add the beef broth, thyme, and bay leaf to the onions.
   • Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Cook the Pasta:
   • While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente.
   • Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   • Remove the bay leaf from the sauce.
   • Toss the cooked pasta into the onion sauce, stirring to coat. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
6. Add the Cheese:
   • Stir in half of the shredded Gruyère cheese, letting it melt into the sauce.
   • Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with the remaining Gruyère cheese.
7. Bake:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Bake the dish for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Serve and Garnish:
   • Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
   • Garnish with chopped parsley, and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Enjoy this delightful and comforting French Onion Pasta Bake, perfect for any cozy meal! 🍝🧅🧀