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French Onion Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto

French Onion Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto

French Onion Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto is a comforting and elegant fusion dish that combines the rich sweetness of caramelized onions, creamy melted cheese, tender pasta, and crispy salty prosciutto. This recipe captures the essence of classic French onion soup, transformed into a shareable pasta meal perfect for cozy nights or impressing guests with minimal effort using simple, quality ingredients.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: rosemary or tarragon (for herb infusion variations)

Fat & Oils

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Pasta

  • 12 ounces fettuccine or pappardelle (or gluten-free pasta for gluten-free option)

Dairy & Cheese

  • 1 cup grated Gruyère or provolone cheese (or sharp cheddar/fontina for variation)

Meats

  • 6 to 8 slices prosciutto

Liquids & Broth

  • 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes or chili oil (for spicy kick variation)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Thinly slice the yellow onions. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onions and stir frequently, allowing them to soften and gradually turn a deep golden brown over 30 to 40 minutes. This slow cooking develops the rich, sweet flavor foundational to the dish.
  2. Crisp the Prosciutto: While the onions cook, heat a separate pan over medium heat and crisp the prosciutto slices until nicely browned and crunchy. Avoid burning. Drain on paper towels and set aside for topping the pasta later.
  3. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the chosen pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining, which can be used to adjust sauce consistency if necessary.
  4. Create the Sauce: Deglaze the pan with caramelized onions by adding vegetable or chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Allow to simmer and reduce slightly to concentrate the savory onion flavor. Stir in grated cheese until melted and silky. Add the cooked pasta and toss gently to coat evenly with the sauce.
  5. Assemble and Serve: Plate the saucy pasta and sprinkle the crispy prosciutto on top. Garnish with fresh herbs, cracked black pepper, and extra cheese if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the harmonious textures and flavors at their best.

Notes

  • Patience with onions is key; slow cooking them unlocks their best flavor.
  • Use quality prosciutto with thin, well-marbled slices for better crisping and saltiness.
  • Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce without diluting its flavor.
  • Gruyère melts beautifully and pairs perfectly with the sweet onions, but provolone is a delicious budget-friendly alternative.
  • Have all ingredients prepped and ready before cooking to maintain a smooth cooking process.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing and simmering
  • Cuisine: French-inspired fusion
  • Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free pasta option)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: French onion pasta, caramelized onions, crispy prosciutto, cozy pasta recipe, French fusion pasta, creamy cheese pasta, easy gourmet pasta