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French Onion Pasta

Featured in: Family-Friendly Dinners Everyone Will Love

This affordable, creamy one-pot meal combines rich caramelized onions with melted Gruyere, all done without heavy cream.

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Updated on Wed, 07 May 2025 18:16:34 GMT
Close-up of a bowl of creamy onion pasta topped with cheese and parsley, with cheese slices beside it. Pin it
Close-up of a bowl of creamy onion pasta topped with cheese and parsley, with cheese slices beside it. | cookingkitchn.com

Quick Cranberry Cloud Salad

I've got to tell you about my go-to holiday treat that always gets rave reviews. This super simple cranberry cloud mixes the zip of fresh cranberries with sweet pineapple chunks and soft marshmallows, all wrapped in a smooth, creamy mixture. It works brilliantly as either a side or a light sweet finish to your holiday meal, and folks won't stop asking you how you made it.

What Makes This Mix So Good

  • Works as a light dessert or easy side dish
  • You can prep it beforehand to save holiday stress
  • Every spoonful gives you that perfect sweet-tart combo
  • You only need a handful of basic items to make it

What You'll Need For Cranberry Cloud

  • Cream Cheese: Gives our cloud its rich creaminess.
  • Crushed Pineapple: Adds sunshine flavor to this quick mix.
  • Mini Marshmallows: They're what makes it so wonderfully puffy.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Transforms into airy puffs when beaten.
  • Granulated Sugar: Balances the cranberry tang just right.
  • Fresh Cranberries: These bright berries bring the holiday magic.

How To Put It All Together

Quick Chill
Stick your fluffy mixture in the fridge for at least 2 hours so everything can mingle nicely.
Mix It Up
Fold the cranberries, drained pineapple and those fluffy marshmallows together gently. This casual mixing brings all the textures together.
Whip Up The Base
Get your cream cheese smooth, then beat in cream, sugar and vanilla until it's light and fluffy.
Prep Your Berries
Give the cranberries a quick spin with sugar in your food processor. You want them broken down but not mushy.

Ways To Make It Even Better

  • Switch It Up: If you're in a rush, Cool Whip can stand in for the whipped cream.
  • Add Some Crunch: Throw in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for texture.
  • Berry Options: Don't have fresh cranberries? Thawed frozen ones work great too, just drain them well.
  • Sugar Trick: Let cranberries sit with sugar for a bit, they'll mellow out nicely.
A close-up of creamy, sauced pasta with parsley garnish in a large skillet. Pin it
A close-up of creamy, sauced pasta with parsley garnish in a large skillet. | cookingkitchn.com

Planning Ahead

  • This fluffy treat stays good in your fridge for about 3 days, but don't try freezing it.
  • You can whip this up 2 days before your gathering, just keep it covered in the fridge.

The Perfect Holiday Companion

This cranberry cloud brings together tangy, sweet and creamy in each mouthful. It's become such a must-have at my family gatherings that Thanksgiving and Christmas wouldn't feel complete without it. Trust me, once you bring this to your holiday table, everyone will want it year after year.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s good about evaporated milk?

It adds creaminess like heavy cream but lasts longer on the shelf.

→ Is it possible to prep ahead?

You can caramelize the onions a couple of days ahead and store in the fridge.

→ Why stir pasta regularly?

It keeps things from sticking and makes sure everything cooks evenly.

→ Can another cheese work here?

Gruyere is ideal for the taste, but Swiss cheese works in a pinch.

→ Why mix bouillon with water?

It gives a stronger flavor than plain broth, though you could use broth instead.

French Onion Pasta

Caramelized onions star in this creamy one-pot pasta, finished with a cheesy Gruyere topping and zero heavy cream.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
60 Minutes
Total Time
75 Minutes
By: Sophia


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: French-Italian

Yield: 6 Servings (1)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 3 large onions, sliced thinly.
02 2 tablespoons of butter.
03 3 tablespoons olive oil.
04 A pinch of red pepper flakes.
05 Salt and a bit of black pepper.
06 4 minced garlic cloves.
07 1 tablespoon soy sauce.
08 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce.
09 12 ounces of evaporated milk.
10 5 1/2 cups water.
11 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch.
12 A couple of tablespoons of beef bouillon.
13 Fresh herbs and any seasoning you like.
14 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
15 5 ounces Gruyere cheese.
16 1 pound of short pasta (your pick, like shells or penne).

Instructions

Step 01

In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Wait until the butter's foam subsides.

Step 02

Add in your sliced onions with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir every now and then for about 30-35 minutes, letting them turn golden and sweet.

Step 03

Watch those onions closely. If they start burning, adjust the heat or toss in a little more butter or oil.

Step 04

Mix in the garlic, soy sauce, Worcestershire, and a touch of red pepper flakes. Cook for a short time until it smells amazing.

Step 05

Turn up the heat and add the water along with half the evaporated milk.

Step 06

Combine the leftover milk with cornstarch in a bowl until there are no lumps, then stir it into your pot.

Step 07

Toss in the herbs, bouillon, and any other seasonings. Bring everything up to a boil.

Step 08

Add the pasta, drop the heat to a medium simmer, and let it cook for around 20-25 minutes.

Step 09

Keep stirring as it cooks. Make sure the pasta is covered with liquid the entire time.

Step 10

Give the pasta a test now and then. Add a splash of water if needed and cook until it hits the perfect texture.

Step 11

Once the pasta is ready but there’s still some sauce left, remove it from the burner.

Step 12

Gently stir Gruyere cheese in bit by bit, letting it melt completely.

Step 13

Stir in Parmesan cheese until everything blends into a rich, creamy sauce.

Step 14

Give it a taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 15

If you like it saucier, just add a bit more liquid and stir it in.

Notes

  1. Made in one pot.
  2. Works great on a budget.
  3. No need for heavy cream.
  4. Can be prepared beforehand.

Tools You'll Need

  • A good-sized Dutch oven.
  • Optional mandoline for onion slicing.
  • Trusty whisk.
  • Measuring cups for accuracy.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cheese and butter).
  • Includes wheat (pasta).
  • Soy present (soy sauce).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 520
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 65 g
  • Protein: 18 g