Transform Buttered Pasta Into A Cozy Fall Dish That Rivals French Onion Soup

When the weather changes, we crave big bowls of soup, stews, and creamy pastas that we can cradle as the chill in the air deepens. One of the best dishes to satisfy this desire is French onion soup, a savory classic that evokes cozy nights and country kitchens. However, a chunky broth doesn't always fill up the family and homemade French onion soup takes a long time to prep. Instead, try whipping up this variation on a buttered noodle dish which provides many of the same warming flavors.

Tasting Table's caramelized onion pasta is a simple, elegant take on traditional buttered noodles that will please almost any palate. It's rich and comforting with a slightly sweet, deeply satisfying flavor. The base is made with minimal ingredients and highlights the delicious taste of the caramelized onions.

To make the sauce, caramelize a few sliced white onions over low heat for 40 minutes (here is a foolproof caramelized onions recipe you can follow). When they're soft and jammy, add a bit of brown sugar and balsamic vinegar. You'll want to cook the spaghetti in a separate pot and save a bit of pasta water at the end. When the noodles are ready, add them to the onions along with butter and parmesan, then stir everything over low heat until the silky, umami sauce coats the noodles; thinning it with pasta water as necessary.

The pasta is pretty filling as it is but you can bulk it up with some added protein. Chicken and sausage would both pair well, as would grilled steak. You'll just need to cook the meat separately before mixing it in. Caramelized onion also pairs beautifully with mushrooms if you wanted to boost the natural umami. Sauté some shiitake or creminis before adding them in, or bake some portobello caps and slice them before adding.

A simple everyday salad would lighten up the pasta as a side and it would be lovely to serve it with homemade garlic bread. Put out some extra parmesan for topping as well as pine nuts or toasted breadcrumbs to add some crunch. Fresh herbs, chili flakes, and truffle or garlic oil are also great options.

If all else fails, a Tasting Table expert hunted down five store-bought French onion soups and ranked them from worst to best. The Cuisine Adventures was our favorite — but it doesn't lay a finger on a homemade caramelized onion pasta.