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Comfort food has a unique ability to wrap you in warmth and nostalgia, evoking memories of home-cooked meals shared with family and friends. Among the vast array of comfort foods, pasta dishes hold a particularly cherished spot in many culinary traditions around the world. Their versatility allows them to be transformed into both simple weeknight meals and elaborate dishes fit for special occasions. One such exceptional dish is the French Onion & Browned Butter Pasta—a culinary creation that elegantly marries the savory, caramelized flavors of French onion soup with the rich, nutty essence of browned butter.

French Onion and Browned Butter Pasta

Indulge in the exquisite flavors of our French Onion & Browned Butter Pasta! This gourmet comfort food combines the sweetness of caramelized onions with rich, nutty browned butter and creamy Gruyère cheese, creating a delightful dish perfect for weeknights or special occasions. Whether you're an experienced cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to impress. Click through to explore the step-by-step guide and elevate your pasta game today!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz fettuccine or linguine

2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped

1 cup vegetable broth

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese (plus more for topping)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and caramelized, about 20-25 minutes. Add the sugar and thyme halfway through to enhance sweetness and flavor.

    Cook the Pasta: While the onions are caramelizing, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

      Brown the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Continue to cook it, swirling occasionally, until it becomes golden brown and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to burn it.

        Combine Ingredients: Once the onions are caramelized, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Add the vegetable broth and allow it to simmer for a few minutes, then stir in the heavy cream and browned butter. Mix until well combined and warm.

          Mix Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, adding a bit of reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a creamy consistency. Mix in the grated Gruyère cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

            Serve: Plate the pasta, sprinkle additional Gruyère cheese on top, and garnish with fresh parsley.

              - Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 40 min | 4 servings