French Onion Pasta Bake

Comfort food at its finest! French Onion Pasta Bake takes the classic savory soup flavors and transforms it into a nurturing pasta dish with tender noodles, crispy bacon, and sharp colby cheese all swimming in a savory creamy sauce. The French Onion Pasta Bake is warm, welcoming, and absolutely delicious that everyone will love. You’ll be making this on the regular once you try it!

Ingredients

13 ounces penne rigate
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 large onions, thinly sliced
1 cup bacon, roughly chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
3 sprigs thyme, plus extra leaves, to taste, for garnish
1 (1.4 ounces) packet French onion soup mix
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 1/3 cups cream
pepper, to taste
1 1/2 cups colby cheese, grated

Directions

Step 1 –Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Step 2 –In a large pot of salted, boiling water, cook the pasta to al dente, according to the package directions.

Step 3 –Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.

Step 4 –In a large pan, heat the butter and the oil over medium heat.

Step 5 –Once hot, cook the onion until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 6 –Add the bacon and cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 7 –Add the garlic and 3 of the thyme sprigs and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Step 8 –Add the dry soup packet to the pan and stir.

Step 9 –Add the wine and simmer until reduced by half, about 5 minutes.

Step 10 –Gradually stir in the cream.

Step 11 –Season with the pepper.

Step 12 –Add the pasta and toss to coat.