French Onion Pasta

French Onion Pasta is a medium American recipe that serves 2. 820 calories per serving. Recipe by Old's Cool Kevmo on YouTube.

Prep: 28 min | Cook: 48 min | Total: 1 hr 28 min

Cost: $16.00 total, $8.00 per serving

Ingredients

  • 12 oz New York Strip Steak (1 thick steak, about 1 inch thick)
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (Extra‑virgin for seasoning)
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt (Season steak and onions)
  • 1 tsp Freshly Cracked Black Pepper (Season steak and onions)
  • 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter (Divided: 2 tbsp for onions, 2 tbsp for steak)
  • 1 sprig Fresh Thyme (Adds aroma to steak)
  • 1 large White Onion (Thinly sliced)
  • 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (Full‑fat for sauce richness)
  • 3/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (Freshly grated; 1/2 cup in sauce, extra for topping)
  • 8 oz Farfalle Pasta (About 2 cups dried)

Instructions

  1. Season the Steak

    Pat the steak dry, drizzle both sides with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Let it sit at room temperature while you prep the rest of the dish.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Slice the Onion

    Trim the root end, halve the white onion, and slice into thin half‑moons (about 1/8‑inch thick).

    Time: PT3M

  3. Preheat the Oven

    Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to come to temperature.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 375°F

  4. Caramelize the Onions

    Heat a cast‑iron skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter. When foamy, add the sliced onions, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of pepper. Stir occasionally and cook until deep golden and sweet, about 20 minutes.

    Time: PT20M

  5. Boil Water for Pasta

    Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Sear the Steak

    While the onions cook, heat a second skillet until very hot. Add 1 tbsp butter and the thyme sprig. Place the seasoned steak in the pan and sear 3 minutes on the first side without moving, then flip and sear another 3 minutes.

    Time: PT6M

  7. Finish Steak in the Oven

    Transfer the skillet (or move steak to an oven‑safe pan) into the preheated oven. Roast for 5‑7 minutes for medium doneness (internal temp ~140°F).

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: 375°F

  8. Rest the Steak

    Remove the steak from the oven, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

    Time: PT10M

  9. Make the Cream‑Parmesan Sauce

    Reduce the heat under the onion pan to low. Stir in 1 cup heavy whipping cream, scraping the browned bits (deglazing). Add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan and stir until the sauce thickens, about 3 minutes. Taste and adjust salt/pepper.

    Time: PT3M

  10. Cook the Farfalle

    Add the farfalle to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 10 minutes. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.

    Time: PT10M

  11. Combine Pasta and Sauce

    Return the drained farfalle to the skillet with the cream‑onion sauce. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if the sauce is too thick. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan and toss again.

    Time: PT2M

  12. Plate and Serve

    Slice the rested steak against the grain into 1/2‑inch strips. Place a mound of pasta on each plate, top with steak slices, and finish with a drizzle of any remaining sauce and extra Parmesan if desired.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
820
Protein
45 g
Carbohydrates
70 g
Fat
35 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains gluten, Not vegetarian, High protein

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

French Onion Pasta

Recipe by Old's Cool Kevmo

A decadent breakfast‑brunch dish that pairs buttery caramelized onions, rich cream‑Parmesan sauce, and farfalle pasta with a perfectly seared New York strip steak finished in the oven. The result is a comforting, restaurant‑quality plate you can make at home.

MediumAmericanServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
30m
Prep
48m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 28m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$16.00
Total cost
$8.00
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Caramelize onions until deep golden and sweet.
  • Sear the steak to develop a flavorful crust.
  • Finish the steak in the oven to achieve medium doneness.
  • Deglaze the onion pan with heavy cream to create a rich sauce.
  • Cook farfalle al dente and toss with the cream‑onion sauce.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot skillet and oven‑hot pan with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure safe internal temperature.
  • Be careful when deglazing with cream; it can splatter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of French onion pasta in American breakfast cuisine?

A

While pasta is traditionally an Italian staple, American chefs have adapted it for breakfast by pairing it with rich sauces and savory proteins. The French onion flavor adds a classic French bistro touch, creating a comforting, indulgent morning dish.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of French onion pasta in the United States?

A

In the Northeast, cooks often use caramelized onions with cream and Parmesan, while in the Southwest they might add poblano peppers or chipotle for heat. Some Southern versions incorporate bacon or sausage for extra smokiness.

cultural
Q

How is French onion pasta traditionally served in American brunch settings?

A

It is typically plated as a generous mound of pasta tossed in a silky cream‑onion sauce, topped with sliced steak or grilled chicken, and finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and extra cheese. It is served hot alongside fresh fruit or a light salad.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is French onion pasta with steak commonly associated with in American culture?

A

This rich dish is popular for weekend brunches, holiday breakfasts like Easter or Thanksgiving morning, and special occasions such as birthdays where a hearty, indulgent meal is desired.

cultural
Q

How does French onion pasta fit into the broader American comfort‑food tradition?

A

It combines two beloved comfort foods—creamy pasta and a perfectly cooked steak—into one plate, embodying the American love for hearty, flavorful dishes that are easy to share with family.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for French onion pasta versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include white or yellow onions, heavy whipping cream, Parmesan cheese, and a quality steak. Acceptable substitutes are yellow onions for white, half‑and‑half or whole milk with butter for cream, and Pecorino Romano for Parmesan.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with French onion pasta and steak?

A

A simple mixed green salad with a vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or garlic‑buttered bread complement the richness of the pasta and steak, balancing the meal with fresh acidity and texture.

cultural
Q

What makes French onion pasta with New York strip steak special in American brunch cuisine?

A

The dish stands out because it merges the deep, sweet flavor of caramelized onions with a luxurious cream‑Parmesan sauce, while the seared New York strip adds a juicy, meaty contrast, creating a multi‑layered taste experience.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making French onion pasta with steak?

A

Common errors include burning the onions instead of caramelizing them, over‑searing the steak so it becomes tough, and adding the cream at too high a heat which can cause it to split. Follow the temperature cues and timing in the recipe to avoid these pitfalls.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a hot skillet for searing the steak and then finish it in the oven instead of cooking it entirely on the stovetop?

A

Searing creates a flavorful crust through the Maillard reaction, while finishing in the oven provides gentle, even heat that brings the interior to the perfect medium doneness without over‑cooking the exterior.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Old's Cool Kevmo specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Old's Cool Kevmo focuses on hearty, home‑cooked meals that blend classic comfort food techniques with approachable, step‑by‑step tutorials for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Old's Cool Kevmo's approach to American comfort‑food cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Old's Cool Kevmo emphasizes practical kitchen hacks, clear visual cues, and a relaxed presentation style, often showcasing breakfast‑for‑dinner concepts that other channels may treat as special‑occasion recipes.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Creamy French Onion Pasta
7

Creamy French Onion Pasta

A comforting one‑pan pasta that captures the sweet, caramelized flavor of French onion soup, enriched with mushrooms, red wine, beef broth, heavy cream, and a blend of cheddar and Parmesan. Ready in under an hour, this dish is perfect for cool evenings and pairs wonderfully with a simple steak or a green salad.

55 minServes 2$8
French
Viral French Onion Pasta!
3

Viral French Onion Pasta!

A creamy, comforting pasta dish that captures the sweet depth of caramelized French onions in a rich Parmesan‑cream sauce. Inspired by the viral recipe from Matthew Augusta, this meal combines butter‑sautéed onions, garlic, thyme, Worcestershire, wine, sherry, chicken stock, heavy cream, and plenty of Parmesan for a luxurious finish. Served over al dente pasta and finished with fresh parsley, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner.

1 hr 23 minServes 4$15
French
Recipe 15 of 100: Easy One Pan French Onion Soup Pasta
1

Recipe 15 of 100: Easy One Pan French Onion Soup Pasta

A creamy, comforting one‑pan pasta that captures the golden, bubbling flavors of classic French onion soup. Made with caramelized onions, beef broth, pasta, and a touch of cream and Gruyère, this quick‑and‑easy dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

45 minServes 4$7
French
SAVE this for later!! One-Pot French Onion 🧅 Pasta Meal Prep 👌🏽
5

SAVE this for later!! One-Pot French Onion 🧅 Pasta Meal Prep 👌🏽

A comforting, high‑protein one‑pot pasta that captures the sweet, caramelized flavor of French onion soup, boosted with lean ground bison, creamy goat cheese, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Perfect for quick meal‑prep – divide into four containers and enjoy all week.

50 minServes 4$21
American
Quiche Lorraine Mother's Day Recipe - Creamy Bacon Leek Cheese Quiche
3

Quiche Lorraine Mother's Day Recipe - Creamy Bacon Leek Cheese Quiche

A classic French quiche with smoky bacon, sweet onions and leeks, creamy Gruyère, and a silky custard filling. Chef John from Food Wishes shows how to blind‑bake the crust, layer the ingredients for even flavor, and bake to a perfect set. Ideal for Mother’s Day brunch or any special occasion.

2 hrs 1 minServes 6$18
French
The Worlds Best Quiche (I'm Not Messing Around)
9

The Worlds Best Quiche (I'm Not Messing Around)

A buttery, flaky crust filled with caramelized onions, rendered bacon lardons, Gruyère cheese and a light, cheesecake‑like custard. Inspired by Thomas Keller’s technique, this French‑style Quiche Lorraine is baked twice for a perfectly set, velvety interior and a golden crust. Ideal for brunch, lunch, or dinner, it serves eight slices.

5 hrs 10 minServes 8$12
French
Learn How To Make The Most Flavorful Chicken Alfredo In Less Than 30 Minutes
7

Learn How To Make The Most Flavorful Chicken Alfredo In Less Than 30 Minutes

A creamy, restaurant‑style Chicken Alfredo made from scratch with juicy seasoned chicken breasts, a rich butter‑cream‑Parmesan sauce, and fettuccine noodles. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal‑prep.

70 minServes 2$18
Italian
Cheddar Bay Biscuit Hack: The Ultimate Southern Seafood Pot Pie
4

Cheddar Bay Biscuit Hack: The Ultimate Southern Seafood Pot Pie

A hearty, creamy seafood casserole inspired by Red Lobster's famous Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Succulent shrimp, crawfish tails, and crab meat are simmered in a rich, seasoned cream sauce, topped with fluffy biscuit dough studded with cheddar, and baked to golden perfection.

1 hr 16 minServes 4$44
American
French Onion Pasta