Sausage French Onion Pasta

You’ve got to try this Sausage French Onion Pasta! It’s all about the delicious combo of rich, caramelized onions and hearty sausage. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is super easy to whip up and full of flavor. It’s a comforting meal that you’ll want to enjoy again and again.

Sausage French Onion Pasta – Your Next Comfort Food Obsession

Imagine this—a cozy evening, the delightful aroma of caramelized onions wafting through your kitchen, and a comforting bowl of pasta that combines the savory richness of French onion soup with the heartiness of sausage…

Yeah, it’s as good as it sounds.

This French onion pasta recipe is one of my favorite dinner dishes. My husband and I probably make it at least once a week, and let me tell you, the leftovers are just as delicious.

French onion soup, with its caramelized onions and rich beef broth, is a classic for a reason. But when you throw in some savory sausage and hearty pasta, it takes those flavors to a whole new level of deliciousness. The sweetness of the onions perfectly balances the salty sausage, and the pasta soaks up all the flavors.

Convinced? Follow along to grab my easy recipe down below!

Ingredients needed

Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delectable dish:

• Pork Sausage: I prefer using pork sausage for this recipe as it adds a nice depth of flavor. However, you can also use chicken or turkey sausage if you’d like.
• Pasta: Any kind of pasta works well in this dish. I like using rigatoni, penne, or bowtie pasta, but feel free to use your favorite type!
• Beef Broth: The key to achieving that classic French onion soup flavor is using beef broth. You can also use vegetable broth if you prefer.
• White Wine: Don’t worry; the alcohol cooks off during the cooking process and leaves behind a delicious flavor. I recommend using a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. You can also use chicken or vegetable broth instead.
• Onion: This may seem obvious, but the star of this dish is definitely the caramelized onions. Make sure to slice yellow onions thinly for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Garlic: A little bit of minced garlic goes a long way in adding depth and flavor to this dish.
• Butter: Butter adds richness and helps caramelize the onions perfectly.
• Fresh Thyme Leaves: Fresh thyme leaves add an earthy and herby flavor to balance out the sweetness of the onions. If you can’t find any fresh thyme, use dried thyme instead. Just not as many sprigs. Use 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme for every tablespoon of fresh.
• Worcestershire Sauce: This savory sauce adds a deep, rich, umami flavor to the dish.
• Half and Half: This ingredient adds a creamy and velvety texture to the sauce. You can substitute almond milk instead if you’d like.
• Parmesan Cheese: You can’t have pasta without cheese! Grated Parmesan adds a nutty and salty flavor that pairs perfectly with this dish.

How to make homemade French onion pasta with sausage

Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple steps to create a dish that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat.

Start by heating up a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Drizzle in some olive oil, and once it’s nice and hot, toss in the sausage. Break it up into small pieces and cook until it’s no longer pink. When it’s done, drain the grease and set the sausage aside in a bowl.

In the same pot, add a bit of butter. Once it melts, add in some sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Let those cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to caramelize and turn golden brown.

Tip: Don’t rush the onions, and don’t stir them too much. Let them sit and caramelize on their own for the best flavor.

Next, it’s time to deglaze! Pour in some white wine and scrape up all those tasty brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Add in a sprinkle of thyme and let it simmer for another couple of minutes.

Now, pour in your pasta and beef broth, then cover it with a lid. Give it a stir every 2-3 minutes and let it cook until the pasta is just how you like it — usually around 10-12 minutes. When you’re ready, turn off the heat and fish out those thyme bunches.

Stir the sausage back into the pasta, then mix in some Worcestershire sauce, half and half, and grated Parmesan cheese until it’s all nice and creamy.

Serve it up with a little extra Parmesan and some parsley on top. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Below are some common French onion pasta questions. Don’t see the answer you’re looking for? Leave a comment at the bottom of this post! (I’ll answer it ASAP!)

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Rigatoni is a great choice since it holds sauces really well, but you can totally swap it out for penne, ziti, or even fusilli. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente for the best texture!

What can I substitute for white wine?

If you’d rather skip the alcohol, no worries! You can swap white wine for the same amount of chicken broth or just a splash of apple cider vinegar for that tangy kick. This way, you still get all the flavor without any alcohol!

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Certainly! Swap the pork sausage for your favorite plant-based sausage or even a medley of mushrooms. You can also just leave out the protein and make it a simple French onion pasta recipe. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and you’re good to go!

The flavors will still be rich and satisfying.

Chances are, this dish will be a hit! But if you find yourself with leftovers, here’s how to store them properly:

Place the cooled pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or half & half to restore its creamy texture.

If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing individual portions. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as needed for a quick and delicious meal.

If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to try these!

• Pesto Baked Pasta
• Spicy Fusilli Pasta
• One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
• Lightened Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

If you make this recipe, be sure to comment below and let me know how it was! Also tag @erinliveswhole on Instagram and use the hashtag #erinliveswhole so I can see it and feature you!

Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photos by The Mindful Hapa