French Onion Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto
French Onion Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto is a comforting and elegant dish that combines the rich, caramelized sweetness of slowly cooked onions with savory prosciutto and tender pasta. Infused with aromatic herbs and Parmesan cheese, this recipe delivers a gourmet meal that’s quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Can be adapted for Gluten Free (use gluten-free pasta)
Ingredients
Scale
Onions and Aromatics
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
Broth and Seasoning
- 2 cups beef broth or vegetable broth
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 12 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta
Cheese and Toppings
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 6 to 8 slices prosciutto, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Start by thinly slicing the yellow onions. In a large pan over medium-low heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add the onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they turn a deep golden brown and become sweet and soft, about 30-45 minutes.
- Prepare the Broth Sauce: Add the minced garlic and fresh thyme to the caramelized onions and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the beef or vegetable broth, season with salt and pepper, then simmer gently until the sauce melds and slightly thickens, about 5-10 minutes.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
- Crisp the Prosciutto: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the prosciutto slices in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the drained pasta into the onion broth sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to coat the noodles luxuriously. Plate the pasta and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and crumbled crispy prosciutto on top. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Slowly caramelize the onions to develop deep, sweet flavor essential to this dish.
- Use a quality beef or vegetable broth to enhance the savoriness.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency for better coating.
- Opt for thin prosciutto slices to achieve a crisp, crunchy texture quickly.
- Fresh thyme brightens the richness and ties the flavors together.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: French onion pasta, caramelized onions, prosciutto, pasta recipe, comfort food, easy pasta dish, savory pasta
