Hearty French Onion Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto Recipe

Comfort meets elegance in this creamy one pot French onion pasta that blends rich, caramelized flavors with crispy prosciutto.

Slow-cooked onions mingle deliciously with tender pasta, creating a dish that feels both rustic and sophisticated.

Golden-brown prosciutto adds a salty crunch that perfectly complements the deep, sweet onion base.

Each forkful promises a harmony of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

The simplicity of preparing everything in a single pot makes this recipe a weeknight hero for busy home cooks.

with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, you’ll want to savor every delectable bite of this irresistible pasta.

Let this recipe become your new go-to comfort meal that’s sure to impress.

Reasons to Savor French Onion Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto

• This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal cleanup.
• Caramelized onions, wine-infused pasta, and crispy prosciutto deliver a gourmet experience that feels like a warm culinary hug.
• By using a single pot and simple techniques, home cooks can easily create a complex-tasting dish without advanced skills or constant monitoring.
• The recipe combines elegant ingredients like Gruyere, burrata, and fresh herbs to elevate a basic pasta dish into something sophisticated yet approachable.

Gather Ingredients for One Pot French Onion Pasta

• Pasta: A key component that absorbs the rich flavors of the dish.
• Onions: The star ingredient that creates a deep, caramelized base for the pasta.
• Prosciutto: A savory protein that adds a crispy texture and intense flavor.
• Burrata Cheese: A creamy cheese that provides a luxurious finish to the dish.
• Gruyere Cheese: A classic cheese that melts beautifully and adds depth to the sauce.

• Garlic, Thyme, Sage: Herbs and aromatics that enhance the overall flavor profile of the pasta.
• Mushrooms: A earthy addition that complements the other ingredients.

• Wine, Broth, Worcestershire Sauce: Liquids that build complexity and add moisture to the dish.
• Heavy Cream: A rich ingredient that creates a smooth and creamy sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the flavors.

Tools and Gear for French Onion Pasta Night

• Dutch Oven: Large, heavy-bottomed pot perfect for caramelizing onions and cooking pasta.
• Baking Sheet: Flat pan for crisping prosciutto in the oven.
• Parchment Paper: Non-stick liner for baking prosciutto.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for slicing onions and chopping herbs.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients in the pot.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure wine, broth, and cream.
• Cheese Grater: Useful for shredding Gruyere cheese.
• Cutting Board: Provides surface for chopping ingredients.

Stepwise Guide for French Onion Pasta with Prosciutto

Step 1: Crisp Up Prosciutto

Preheat the oven to 350F.

Spread parchment paper on a baking sheet.

Lay out prosciutto slices in a single layer.

Bake until the edges turn golden and crisp, about 10-15 minutes.

Once done, set aside to cool and become extra crunchy.

Step 2: Create Caramelized Onion Magic

Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Melt butter and add sliced onions.

Stir occasionally and cook until onions start to soften.

Pour wine gradually, allowing each splash to be absorbed by the onions.

Continue cooking for 10-15 minutes until onions turn deep golden brown and intensely sweet.

Step 3: Build Flavor Layers

Introduce chopped garlic, mushrooms, thyme, and sage to the onion mixture.

Season with salt and pepper.

Sauté for 3-4 minutes, allowing herbs to release their aromatic oils and mushrooms to become tender.

Step 4: Combine Liquids And Pasta

Pour in remaining wine, broth, and Worcestershire sauce.

Increase heat to high and bring to a rapid boil.

Add pasta and stir frequently.

Cook until pasta reaches al dente texture and liquid is mostly absorbed, around 8-10 minutes.

Step 5: Enrich With Cream And Cheese

Remove pot from heat.

Stir in heavy cream and shredded Gruyere cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and glossy.

The cheese will create a luxurious, silky texture.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Gently break burrata cheese over the pasta and fold it through.

The creamy cheese will create pockets of richness.

Top with crispy prosciutto pieces for a salty, crunchy contrast.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the complex flavors.

Chef’s Secrets for French Onion Pasta Success

• Spread prosciutto slices in a single layer on parchment paper to ensure even, crispy texture without burning.
• Slowly add wine to onions in stages, allowing each addition to absorb completely for deep, rich flavor development.
• Stir frequently while cooking pasta in broth to prevent sticking and achieve perfect al dente consistency.
• Remove pot from heat before adding cream and Gruyere to prevent separation and create a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Chop thyme and sage just before adding to maximize their aromatic oils and enhance overall dish flavor.

New Twists to Try for French Onion Pasta

• Vegetarian Comfort Classic: Replace prosciutto with crispy baked tofu strips for a plant-based protein option that maintains the crunchy texture.
• Gluten-Free Gourmet Delight: Swap traditional pasta with gluten-free penne or rigatoni, ensuring the same rich flavor profile without wheat-based ingredients.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Substitute thyme and sage with oregano and rosemary, adding a Greek-inspired herbal dimension to the one-pot pasta while keeping the caramelized onion base intact.
• Dairy-Free Creamy Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Gruyere cheese, creating a vegan-friendly version that still delivers a creamy, savory experience.

Serving Up French Onion Pasta with Flair

• Rustic Dinner Party Delight: Serve this pasta in large, shallow bowls to showcase the melted burrata and crispy prosciutto. Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to complement the rich flavors.
• Cozy Comfort Meal: Add a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy pasta. Crusty bread on the side helps soak up the delicious sauce.
• Gourmet Presentation Trick: Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves and cracked black pepper on top just before serving. Garnish with additional crispy prosciutto bits for extra crunch and visual appeal.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Choose a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir or a buttery Chardonnay to enhance the dish's complex, savory notes and creamy texture.

Smart Storage for French Onion Pasta Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The pasta will maintain its flavor and texture best when chilled quickly.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 1 month. Avoid freezing dishes with burrata as its texture changes dramatically when frozen.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture. Stir gently to prevent sticking and break up clumps. Heat until the pasta reaches desired temperature, typically 3-4 minutes.

FAQs

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Rigatoni or penne are ideal because they have ridges that help capture the rich, creamy sauce and hold onto the caramelized onions effectively.

• Can I substitute the Gruyere cheese?

Yes, you can use other nutty cheeses like Emmental or sharp white cheddar that melt well and complement the caramelized onions.

• Do I need special equipment to make this dish?

A large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot is recommended to ensure even caramelization of onions and proper pasta cooking, but a deep skillet can also work.

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, the recipe contains prosciutto and includes Gruyere cheese. To make it vegetarian, you’ll need to omit the prosciutto and use a vegetarian-friendly cheese.

Savory One Pot French Onion Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comforting French onion pasta blends caramelized onion depths with creamy cheese and crispy prosciutto. Rich flavors from France merge elegantly in this simple yet sophisticated pasta dish you’ll savor completely.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3–4 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 1 pound short cut pasta
• 3 ounces prosciutto, torn
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
• 4 ounces burrata cheese, at room temperature

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 1/4 cups dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
• 3 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Herbs, Aromatics, and Additional Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons salted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 cups cremini or wild mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare crispy prosciutto by spreading slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until perfectly crisped and golden.
2. In a large Dutch oven, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and slowly caramelize, incorporating wine gradually. Allow onions to develop deep, rich color and intense flavor over 20-25 minutes.
3. Introduce chopped garlic, mushrooms, thyme, and sage into the caramelized onion mixture. Season with salt and pepper, sautéing until mushrooms release their moisture and become tender.
4. Elevate the dish by pouring remaining wine, broth, and Worcestershire sauce into the pot. Bring to a vigorous boil, then add pasta. Stir continuously, allowing pasta to absorb liquid and reach perfect al dente texture in 8-10 minutes.
5. Transform the pasta by stirring in heavy cream and Gruyere cheese until a luxurious, smooth sauce develops. Remove from heat to prevent separation.
6. Finish the dish by gently breaking burrata cheese over the pasta, creating creamy pockets throughout. Garnish with previously prepared crispy prosciutto, creating a textural contrast and savory finish.

Notes

• Crisp Prosciutto Technique Bake prosciutto on parchment paper for guaranteed crunchiness, ensuring even cooking and preventing soggy texture.
• Wine Caramelization Secret Gradually add wine while cooking onions to develop deep, complex flavor and achieve rich caramelization without burning.
• Cheese Melting Hack Stir Gruyere and cream off heat to prevent cheese from separating and maintain smooth, creamy consistency.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives like chickpea or rice pasta without compromising overall dish integrity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 675
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 640mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 100mg