Save A comforting pasta dish featuring rich caramelized onions, savory broth, and a creamy sauce, inspired by classic French onion soup and perfectly paired with tender ditalini pasta.
I have always loved the warmth and depth of French onion soup, and this creamy ditalini pasta brings those flavors together in a comforting meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) ditalini pasta
- Onions: 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced 2 tbsp unsalted butter 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp sugar 1/2 tsp salt
- Sauce: 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tbsp all-purpose flour 240 ml (1 cup) vegetable broth (or beef broth for non-vegetarian) 120 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme) 1 tsp Dijon mustard Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cheese Topping: 100 g (1 cup) Gruyère cheese, grated 40 g (1/3 cup) Parmesan cheese, grated Chopped chives or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Cook the ditalini pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Step 2:
- Meanwhile, heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook, stirring often, until onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 25 30 minutes. Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning.
- Step 3:
- Add minced garlic to the caramelized onions and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4:
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions, stir, and cook for 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
- Step 5:
- Pour in the broth, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 6:
- Add the heavy cream, thyme, Dijon mustard, and black pepper. Simmer gently for 3 4 minutes until creamy.
- Step 7:
- Stir in the cooked ditalini pasta and reserved pasta water as needed for desired sauce consistency.
- Step 8:
- Remove from heat. Gently fold in half the Gruyère and all the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 9:
- Serve hot, topped with remaining Gruyère and fresh herbs.
Save This recipe has become a family favorite, often bringing everyone together around the table for comforting, delicious meals.
Required Tools
Large pot Large skillet Wooden spoon or spatula Knife and cutting board Cheese grater
Allergen Information
Contains milk (butter, cream, cheese) and wheat (pasta, flour). Use gluten-free pasta and dairy alternatives for allergies.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 525 calories, 23 g total fat, 62 g carbohydrates, 16 g protein.
Save This creamy pasta is perfect for cozy nights or when you need a special comforting treat.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I caramelize the onions perfectly?
Cook sliced onions slowly over medium heat with butter and oil, stirring often, until deeply golden and sweet, about 25-30 minutes.
- → Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free ditalini and use gluten-free flour to maintain the creamy sauce.
- → What broth works best for this dish?
Vegetable broth works well for a vegetarian version; beef broth adds a richer, deeper flavor if preferred.
- → How do I achieve the creamy texture in the sauce?
Simmer the caramelized onions with broth, then add heavy cream, thyme, Dijon mustard, and finish by folding in melted Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare onions and sauce ahead, then cook pasta fresh and combine just before serving for best texture and flavor.
- → What herbs complement this dish?
Fresh thyme during cooking and chopped chives or parsley as a garnish add bright herbal notes to balance richness.