Name: Caramelized French Onion Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 12 oz penne pasta; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (or Swiss); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley for garnish; Tools:; Large skillet; Medium pot for pasta; Sharp knife for slicing onions and chicken; Cheese grater

Caramelized French Onion Chicken Pasta

There’s something so comforting about a warm, creamy pasta dish, especially when it’s infused with the rich, savory flavors of caramelized onions. This Caramelized French Onion Chicken Pasta has become a go-to meal in our household. I first stumbled upon the idea when trying to recreate the cozy flavors of French onion soup but in a more filling, weeknight-friendly way. After one bite, I knew this dish would earn a permanent spot on our dinner rotation.

What I love most about this recipe is how it brings everyone to the table—literally. The smell of onions caramelizing in butter wafts through the house, drawing my kids and husband into the kitchen with eager anticipation. By the time I’m adding the finishing touches—melting the cheese and sprinkling fresh parsley—everyone’s already asking when it’ll be ready. It’s creamy, cheesy, and perfectly savory, yet the chicken and pasta make it hearty enough to satisfy even the hungriest appetites.

The best part? It’s deceptively easy to make. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special weekend dinner, this recipe fits the bill. And the leftovers? If you’re lucky enough to have any, they reheat beautifully. So, grab your skillet and let’s dive into one of my family’s all-time favorite meals. Trust me, once you’ve tasted this Caramelized French Onion Chicken Pasta, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe:

Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the caramelized onions and cook the chicken in advance. Store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge, and when you’re ready to serve, cook the pasta and reheat everything together.

What type of pasta works best? I recommend penne or rigatoni because they hold the sauce well, but any sturdy pasta will do.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken can save time and still tastes delicious.

How do I caramelize onions perfectly? Cook them low and slow in butter, stirring occasionally. Patience is key; it takes about 20-30 minutes to get that deep golden-brown color.

Is there a vegetarian version? Yes, you can skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding mushrooms or spinach makes it hearty and flavorful.

What You Need to Make Caramelized French Onion Chicken Pasta:

Ingredients:

3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

12 oz penne pasta

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (or Swiss)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh parsley for garnish

Tools:

Large skillet

Medium pot for pasta

Sharp knife for slicing onions and chicken

Cheese grater

How to Make Caramelized French Onion Chicken Pasta:

Caramelize the onions: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deep golden-brown, about 25 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Cook the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and cook the chicken over medium heat until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.

Cook the pasta: While the chicken is cooking, boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in heavy cream, then return the caramelized onions to the pan. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Stir in Gruyere and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Top with sliced chicken.

Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Best Caramelized French Onion Chicken Pasta:

Take your time with the onions: Properly caramelized onions are the foundation of this dish. Don’t rush this step.

Season generously: Both the chicken and the sauce benefit from a good balance of salt and pepper.

Cheese matters: Gruyere adds a classic French onion flavor, but you can use Swiss or even mozzarella in a pinch.

Add a splash of wine: A splash of white wine while deglazing the pan adds depth to the sauce.

Make it spicy: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes.

Latest Reviews:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This was absolutely amazing! My kids cleaned their plates, which NEVER happens.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Loved it! Next time, I’ll add mushrooms for extra flavor.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect for a weeknight meal. The caramelized onions were worth the effort!”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Tasty, but I found the sauce a bit too thick. Will thin it out with more broth next time.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This dish is a keeper! My husband went back for thirds.”

Printable Recipe:

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