There’s something undeniably cozy about a warm, cheesy pasta dish that brings people together around the table. Caramelized Onion & Gruyere Penne is perfect for evenings when you crave comfort, warmth, and a touch of elegance without any fuss. The sweet, golden onions meld seamlessly with the nutty richness of Gruyere cheese, creating a creamy, indulgent sauce that clings to every penne tube.

This recipe is inspired by the joy of slow-cooked flavors and the tradition of French-inspired comfort food, where onions are caramelized to perfection and cheese shines as the star ingredient. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a small gathering with friends, or a special treat for yourself, this dish promises a balance of sophistication and homely charm that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340g) penne pasta

• 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)

• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream

• 1 cup (100g) Gruyere cheese, grated

• ¼ cup (25g) Parmesan cheese, grated

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

• Pinch of nutmeg (optional, enhances flavor)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Adding salt to the water is essential because it seasons the pasta from the inside, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish. Once the water is boiling, add the penne and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, which means the pasta should be firm to the bite but fully cooked. Be careful not to overcook, as the pasta will continue to absorb the sauce later. While the pasta cooks, stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water. This starchy water can later help adjust the sauce consistency, allowing it to cling beautifully to each piece of penne.

2. Caramelize the onions: While the pasta is cooking, start on the caramelized onions. In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter together with 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. The combination of butter and oil ensures even cooking and prevents the butter from burning. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir to coat the onions in the fat, which will help them cook evenly and release their natural sugars. Allow the onions to cook slowly for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Patience is key here—low and slow cooking brings out their natural sweetness and deep golden color. As they cook, the onions will soften, shrink, and transform into a rich, caramelized base with a complex flavor that forms the heart of the dish.

3. Add garlic and thyme: Once the onions have reached a deep, golden-brown color, stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves (or dried thyme if using). Cook for 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant. Garlic cooks quickly and can burn easily, so be attentive and stir constantly. The addition of thyme complements the sweetness of the onions, adding a subtle earthy note that elevates the overall flavor.

4. Prepare the sauce: Reduce the heat to low and gently pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring continuously to combine. Allow the cream to warm slowly for 2–3 minutes. If you’d like, add a pinch of nutmeg at this stage to enhance the flavor, as it pairs beautifully with the cream and cheese. The cream will begin to thicken slightly as it heats, creating a luscious base for the cheese. Take your time to keep the heat low, as too high a temperature can cause the cream to separate, which would affect the smoothness of your sauce.

5. Incorporate the cheeses: Gradually add 1 cup of grated Gruyere and ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese to the warm cream, stirring continuously until fully melted and smooth. The cheese should form a velvety, cohesive sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta. If the sauce seems too thick, slowly add some of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency. The starchy water not only helps thin the sauce but also helps it adhere to the penne, ensuring each bite is creamy and flavorful.

6. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked penne directly into the skillet with the sauce and gently toss to coat every piece evenly. Ensure the pasta is fully enveloped in the creamy, cheesy mixture. Allow the combined pasta and sauce to cook together over low heat for 2–3 minutes. This short simmer allows the pasta to absorb some of the sauce, melding the flavors and creating a harmonious dish. Be gentle while tossing to avoid breaking the pasta, keeping the texture intact.

7. Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if desired. The parsley adds a fresh, vibrant touch that balances the richness of the sauce. Optionally, drizzle a small amount of high-quality olive oil over the top to add extra depth and silkiness. Serve immediately while hot, ensuring every bite delivers the perfect combination of sweet caramelized onions, nutty Gruyere, and creamy sauce. Pair it with a light side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.

Tip: For an even more indulgent experience, sprinkle a few extra shavings of Gruyere on top just before serving, allowing them to melt slightly into the warm pasta. This final touch creates an irresistible presentation that is both visually appealing and deeply flavorful.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 35 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

• Yield: 4–6 servings

Notes

• Onions: For extra sweetness, choose yellow onions over white or red. Cooking them slowly is key to caramelization.

• Cheese Substitutions: If Gruyere isn’t available, Swiss cheese works well as a substitute, though flavor may be slightly milder.

• Make Ahead: You can caramelize onions a day ahead and store them in the fridge to save time. Simply reheat before combining with pasta and sauce.

• Pasta Water: Adding a bit of reserved pasta water helps the sauce cling perfectly to the penne.

Tips for the Perfect Caramelized Onion & Gruyere Penne

1. Low and Slow: Caramelizing onions takes patience. Keep the heat medium to low and stir occasionally to prevent burning.

2. Cheese Quality Matters: Use high-quality Gruyere and Parmesan for the richest, creamiest flavor.

3. Don’t Overcook Pasta: Al dente penne works best as it holds the creamy sauce without becoming mushy.

4. Customize Your Flavor: Add roasted garlic, sautéed mushrooms, or even a handful of spinach for variations that enhance nutrition and taste.

5. Serving Suggestions: This pasta pairs beautifully with a light green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet and Savory Balance: The slow-cooked onions add a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the nutty, creamy Gruyere cheese.

• Elegant but Simple: Despite the luxurious taste, the recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

• Versatile and Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables, swap cheeses, or serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.

• Perfect for Any Occasion: From weeknight comfort dinners to special gatherings, this dish impresses without stress.

Storing and Reheating Tips

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: You can freeze the pasta without the sauce for up to 1 month. Freeze the sauce separately in a freezer-safe container. Reheat and combine when ready to serve.

• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or pasta water to restore creaminess. Avoid microwaving on high, as it can separate the sauce.

Extra Flavor Boost Ideas

• Herbs: Fresh thyme, parsley, or chives enhance the savory-sweet profile.

• Spices: A pinch of smoked paprika or black pepper adds subtle depth.

• Crunchy Topping: Toasted breadcrumbs or crushed nuts sprinkled on top provide a satisfying texture contrast.

• Cheese Variations: A touch of Fontina, Emmental, or even mild Cheddar mixed with Gruyere gives the sauce a richer, more complex flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for preparing in advance. You can caramelize the onions a day ahead and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The onions will keep their rich, sweet flavor and simply need to be reheated before combining with the pasta. You can also cook the pasta slightly under al dente so that it doesn’t become mushy when reheated. When ready to serve, gently reheat the onions and pasta together, then add the cheese sauce. This makes it easy to have a quick, elegant dinner ready with minimal last-minute effort.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works beautifully because its tube shape holds onto the creamy sauce, other shapes like rigatoni, farfalle, cavatappi, or even fusilli will absorb the sauce well. The key is choosing a pasta that has texture and curves or ridges to capture the rich, cheesy sauce with every bite.

Can I make it lighter?
Yes, there are several ways to lighten this dish while keeping it creamy. Substitute half-and-half or a lighter cream for heavy cream to reduce calories. You can also use a lighter cheese blend instead of full-fat Gruyere and Parmesan. Another option is to reduce the amount of cheese slightly and rely more on the flavorful caramelized onions to provide richness.

Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Adding vegetables not only increases nutrition but also enhances flavor and texture. Fresh spinach, peas, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers pair perfectly with caramelized onions and Gruyere. Toss them in at the end to keep them tender but vibrant.

Can I use pre-grated cheese?
Pre-grated cheese works in a pinch, but freshly grated Gruyere melts more smoothly and gives a richer flavor. If using pre-grated cheese, consider adding a little extra to maintain creaminess and ensure the sauce stays luscious.

Caramelized Onion & Gruyere Penne Recipe

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• Author: Michelle Davis
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

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Description

A warm, comforting pasta dish that combines the sweet, deep flavors of slowly caramelized onions with the nutty richness of Gruyere cheese. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, small gatherings, or any occasion where you want a simple yet elegant meal that feels indulgent and satisfying.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz (340g) penne pasta

• 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)

• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream

• 1 cup (100g) Gruyere cheese, grated

• ¼ cup (25g) Parmesan cheese, grated

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

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Instructions

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

• In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20–25 minutes until onions are golden brown and caramelized.

• Stir in minced garlic and thyme leaves, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

• Reduce heat to low, pour in heavy cream, and stir to combine. Allow the cream to warm gently for 2–3 minutes. Add a pinch of nutmeg if desired.

• Gradually add Gruyere and Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.

• Add cooked penne to the skillet, tossing gently to coat every piece with the creamy sauce. Heat through for 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld.

• Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately. Optionally, drizzle with a little olive oil for extra richness.

Notes

• For extra sweetness, choose yellow onions and cook them slowly for full caramelization.

• Freshly grated cheese melts better and provides richer flavor; if using pre-grated, add a little extra.

• You can make caramelized onions a day ahead and store in the fridge to save time.

• Slightly undercook pasta if making ahead to prevent it from becoming mushy when reheated.

• Add vegetables like spinach, peas, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers for more color and nutrition.

• Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling to the penne.

• Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or a lighter cheese blend for a lower-calorie version.

• Toasted breadcrumbs or nuts sprinkled on top add texture and contrast.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes

Michelle Davis