Name: French Onion Soup Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: French-American Fusion
Ingredients: ½ Baguette; 1 tablespoon Olive Oil; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1 teaspoon Pepper; 2 teaspoon Oregano; 300 g Cavatappi Macaroni; 5 Onions, thinly sliced; ½ cup Beef Broth; 3 cups Heavy Cream; 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated; 1 tablespoon Flour; 3 tablespoon Water (for béchamel); 1 teaspoon Sugar; Fresh Parsley, chopped; 2 teaspoon Salt; 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder; 1 tablespoon Smoked Paprika Powder; ½ teaspoon Nutmeg

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 84 reviews

If you love the rich, comforting flavors of classic French onion soup and adore pasta, then you are in for a delightful treat with this French Onion Soup Pasta Recipe. It combines the deep caramelized sweetness of onions, creamy béchamel sauce, hearty pasta, and crispy, herby breadcrumbs for a dish that is both familiar and exciting. Every bite brings a cozy satisfaction that feels like a warm hug, perfect for any day you want to feel a little extra comfort on your plate. This recipe is approachable, rewarding, and destined to become one of your favorite weeknight dinners or special occasion crowd-pleasers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The dish shows a close-up view of a baked macaroni and cheese in a white oval dish with a white marbled surface beneath. It has three main layers: the top layer is a golden brown crumbly and crispy breadcrumb topping with small green herb pieces; beneath that is a creamy, thick white cheese sauce mixed with small pieces of translucent cooked onion; the bottom layer shows small curved pasta pieces coated in the cheese sauce. A silver spoon is scooping a portion from the right side of the dish, lifting some pasta and topping, exposing the creamy cheese and pasta underneath. In the background, there is a soft candle glow adding warmth to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this French Onion Soup Pasta Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether adding sweetness, creaminess, or a touch of savory crunch. You really don’t need anything fancy to make this dish shine.

½ Baguette: Essential for homemade breadcrumbs that bring a crispy texture on top.
1 tablespoon Olive Oil: For sautéing onions and adding a smooth base flavor.
1 teaspoon Salt: Enhances all the wonderful flavors in the recipe.
1 teaspoon Pepper: Adds a mild heat to brighten the dish.
2 teaspoons Oregano: Gives a subtle herbal note to the breadcrumbs.
300 g Cavatappi Macaroni: The perfect pasta shape to hold creamy sauce and caramelized onions.
5 Onions, thinly sliced: The star of the show, slowly caramelized for natural sweetness.
½ cup Beef Broth: Adds a rich umami depth when deglazing the pan.
3 cups Heavy Cream: Creates the luscious béchamel base that makes the pasta ultra-creamy.
1 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated: Adds salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
1 tablespoon Flour + 3 tablespoons Water: For thickening the béchamel sauce to silky perfection.
1 teaspoon Sugar: Helps caramelize the onions faster while enhancing their sweet flavor.
Fresh Parsley, chopped: A bright, fresh touch to balance the richness.
2 teaspoons Salt: To season the béchamel sauce perfectly.
1 tablespoon Garlic Powder: Adds depth and warmth to the seasoning.
1 tablespoon Smoked Paprika Powder: Brings a subtle smoky complexity that echoes traditional French onion soup.
½ teaspoon Nutmeg: A tiny pinch enhances creaminess and layers of flavor.

How to Make French Onion Soup Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Start by thinly slicing your onions into long strips—this helps them cook evenly and develop that amazing golden-brown color. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and slowly sauté the onions for about 30 to 40 minutes. Stir occasionally and aim for deep caramelization without burning, which lets the onions release their natural sweetness and rich flavor. Adding one teaspoon of sugar is optional but can speed up this process. If the onions start sticking, a splash of beef broth will loosen them and add umami depth. Once perfectly caramelized, set the onions aside and get ready for the béchamel magic.

Step 2: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce

In the same skillet, gently melt some butter over low to medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute to get rid of the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. If lumps do form, adding a little ice-cold water and whisking quickly can help smooth it out—this little trick is a lifesaver! Stir in two-thirds of your caramelized onions, letting the sauce simmer until thick and creamy. Season with salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, fresh parsley, nutmeg, and most of the grated Parmesan cheese, folding everything together to create that irresistible depth of flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta and Combine

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your cavatappi macaroni until it’s just shy of al dente. The pasta will finish cooking later in the oven, so you don’t want it too soft. Drain it well and toss it immediately into the béchamel sauce, stirring until every piece is generously coated with creamy, onion-infused goodness.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the pasta mixture to an oven-safe baking dish or skillet. Top with the remaining caramelized onions, then shower the top with your homemade breadcrumbs made from toasted baguette pieces tossed with olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes until the breadcrumbs turn a beautiful golden brown and crisp, creating a perfect contrast to the creamy pasta underneath. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, savory delights that this French Onion Soup Pasta Recipe delivers in every bite.

How to Serve French Onion Soup Pasta Recipe

A round pan with blue handles filled with macaroni and cheese, the pasta is coated in a creamy yellow cheese sauce forming the bottom layer. On top is a thick, crumbly golden brown breadcrumb layer with small green herb pieces sprinkled evenly across. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can make this dish shine even more. A sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley adds a lively pop of green and a hint of freshness. For an extra cheesy touch, a few shavings of Parmesan on top right before serving brings an elegant finish. If you love a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can awaken the layers of flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

This hearty French Onion Soup Pasta Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides. Consider a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted seasonal vegetables or garlic bread also make excellent companions, adding texture and flavor contrast without overpowering the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic, cozy vibe, serve this dish straight from a cast-iron skillet. It looks inviting and keeps deliciously warm at the table. Alternatively, plate individual portions in shallow bowls and drizzle a little extra olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a charming presentation. Layering the breadcrumbs thicker or mixing in toasted nuts provides a fun twist and added crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftovers of this French Onion Soup Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier the next day! Just be cautious of the breadcrumb topping, which may soften—re-crisp in the oven if you like.

Freezing

This pasta dish freezes well if you want to prepare it ahead for busy days. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, separating individual servings for convenience. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and taste.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the crispness of the breadcrumb topping—re-baking a few minutes will revive that lovely crunch. Stirring occasionally helps the pasta heat evenly and keeps the creamy béchamel sauce luscious.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While cavatappi works wonderfully because of its shape and texture, you can substitute with other short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. Just make sure to cook it until slightly under al dente to finish cooking in the sauce and oven.

Is there a vegetarian version of the French Onion Soup Pasta Recipe?

Yes! Simply replace the beef broth with vegetable broth to keep all the flavor but make it vegetarian-friendly. The caramelized onions, creamy sauce, and crunchy topping remain just as delicious without the beef broth.

Can I make the béchamel sauce in advance?

You can prepare the béchamel sauce ahead and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When ready to assemble, warm it gently while stirring to bring back its creamy consistency before mixing with the pasta and onions.

What’s the best way to avoid lumpy béchamel sauce?

The key is to whisk constantly while gradually adding the liquid and cooking over gentle heat. If lumps do form, a quick whisk with a bit of ice-cold water often smooths it out beautifully. Patience during cooking pays off with silky-smooth sauce.

Can I use pre-made breadcrumbs for the topping?

Sure! Pre-made breadcrumbs can save time and still deliver crunch, but homemade from toasted baguette with herbs and seasoning really elevates the dish. If using store-bought, consider toasting them lightly with olive oil and oregano to boost flavor.

Final Thoughts

This French Onion Soup Pasta Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and thoughtful cooking come together to create something truly memorable. Whether you want a cozy dinner for yourself or a crowd-pleasing dish to share, this recipe hits all the right notes—rich caramelized onions, creamy sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and a crispy topping. It’s a warm bowl of happiness waiting to brighten your day, so go ahead and give it a try. I promise, you’ll want to make it again and again!

French Onion Soup Pasta Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need