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French Onion and Browned Butter Pasta Recipe

French Onion and Browned Butter Pasta Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 16 reviews

This French Onion and Browned Butter Pasta recipe combines the rich, caramelized flavors of slowly sautéed onions with the nutty depth of browned butter, all tossed together with creamy parmesan sauce and linguine. It’s an indulgent yet easy-to-make pasta dish perfect for cozy dinners when you want something comforting yet elegant.

Ingredients

Scale

Onions

  • ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced into half-moon shapes
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Browned Butter

  • ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, room temperature

Pasta

  • 8 ounces linguine
  • 1 cup (238 g) heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup (100 g) parmesan cheese, grated, plus more for garnish
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Onions: In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, melt ¼ cup butter. Once melted, add thinly sliced onions and sauté for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions become very tender and caramelized to a rich golden brown. Season with ¼ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Transfer the caramelized onions to a plate and set aside.
  2. Make Browned Butter: In the same skillet over medium-high heat, melt ½ cup butter. Constantly stir and scrape the pan to ensure even browning. Once the butter turns a chestnut brown color and releases a nutty aroma, immediately remove the pan from heat and let it cool slightly to prevent burning.
  3. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of linguine and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta thoroughly.
  4. Blend Sauce Base: In a high-powered food processor or blender, combine the caramelized onions, browned butter, and ½ cup of the reserved pasta water. Blend until smooth and well combined. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in a bowl for a slightly textured sauce.
  5. Finish the Sauce and Combine: Return the blended onion and butter mixture to the original skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup heavy whipping cream and 1 cup grated parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce is heated through and creamy.
  6. Toss with Pasta: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add more reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
  7. Serve: Dish out the pasta while hot, garnished with additional grated parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

Notes

  • Caramelizing onions requires patience but imparts essential depth of flavor; do not rush this step.
  • Constantly stir browned butter to prevent burning; remove immediately once nutty aroma develops.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness and help it cling better to pasta.
  • Use freshly grated parmesan for best melting and flavor results.
  • Garnish with parsley to add color and a hint of freshness.
  • This recipe can be made vegetarian by ensuring parmesan cheese is suitable or substituted with a vegetarian alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: French onion pasta, browned butter sauce, caramelized onions, creamy parmesan pasta, linguine recipe, comfort food pasta

Find it online: https://mixitwitjoe.com/french-onion-and-browned-butter-pasta-recipe/