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Easy French Onion Pasta

This budget-friendly one-pot pasta combines caramelized onions with a rich sauce and melted Gruyere cheese. No heavy cream needed for incredible creaminess.

Featured in Family Dinner Ideas.

Fatiha
Updated on Sun, 05 Jan 2025 01:30:27 GMT
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A close-up view of a bowl of creamy pasta topped with grated cheese and parsley, accompanied by slices of cheese on the side. Pin it
A close-up view of a bowl of creamy pasta topped with grated cheese and parsley, accompanied by slices of cheese on the side. | zestplate.com

Easy Homemade Cranberry Fluff

Let me share this simple homemade cranberry fluff that's become my holiday signature dish. This easy recipe combines tart fresh cranberries sweet pineapple and fluffy marshmallows all wrapped up in a creamy dreamy mixture. It's the perfect easy side dish or dessert for your holiday table and everyone always asks for the recipe.

Why You'll Love This Easy Recipe

  • It's so easy to make with just a few simple ingredients
  • The perfect balance of tart and sweet in every bite
  • Make it ahead for stress-free holiday prep
  • Works as an easy side dish or light dessert

Easy Ingredients for Homemade Cranberry Fluff

  • Fresh Cranberries: The star of this easy recipe brings that holiday zip.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens up those tart cranberries perfectly.
  • Cream Cheese: Makes our homemade fluff extra creamy.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Whips up into clouds of fluffiness.
  • Crushed Pineapple: Adds sweet tropical flavor to this simple recipe.
  • Mini Marshmallows: Creates that classic fluffy texture.

Easy Step-by-Step Instructions

Simple Cranberry Prep
Pulse those cranberries with sugar in your food processor. This easy step gets them just right not too chunky not too fine.
Make the Easy Cream Base
Beat your cream cheese until smooth then whip in the cream sugar and vanilla. This homemade mixture should be nice and fluffy.
Simple Assembly
Gently fold in your cranberries drained pineapple and those fluffy marshmallows. This easy mixing brings it all together.
Quick Chill
Pop your homemade fluff in the fridge for at least 2 hours letting all those flavors get friendly.

Tips for Easy Success

  • Simple Sweetening: Let those cranberries hang out with the sugar they'll get sweeter.
  • Easy Alternative: Frozen cranberries work great just thaw and drain them well.
  • Simple Addition: Toss in some chopped nuts for extra crunch.
  • Quick Shortcut: Cool Whip works in a pinch for this easy recipe.
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. | zestplate.com

Easy Make Ahead and Storage

  • This simple recipe can be made 2 days ahead just keep it covered in the fridge.
  • Your homemade fluff will stay fresh in the fridge for 3 days but avoid freezing it.

A Simple Holiday Classic

This easy homemade cranberry fluff brings together sweet tart and creamy in every spoonful. It's become such a holiday tradition in my family that it wouldn't feel like Thanksgiving or Christmas without it. This simple recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite at your holiday gatherings too.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why use evaporated milk?

Provides creaminess without heavy cream while being pantry-stable.

→ Can I prep ahead?

Yes, caramelize onions up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate.

→ Why stir pasta often?

Prevents sticking and ensures even cooking in one-pot method.

→ Can I use different cheese?

Gruyere provides best French onion flavor but Swiss can substitute.

→ Why use bouillon and water?

More concentrated flavor than broth alone, but broth can substitute.

French Onion Pasta

A one-pot pasta featuring deeply caramelized onions and a rich sauce made without cream, topped with melted Gruyere cheese.

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

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-French

Yield: 6 Servings (1)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 3 tablespoons olive oil.
02 2 tablespoons butter.
03 3 large yellow onions, sliced.
04 Salt and pepper.
05 4 garlic cloves, minced.
06 Red pepper flakes.
07 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce.
08 1 tablespoon soy sauce.
09 5 1/2 cups water.
10 12 oz evaporated milk.
11 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch.
12 2 tablespoons beef bouillon.
13 Fresh herbs and seasonings.
14 1 pound short pasta.
15 5 oz Gruyere cheese.
16 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.

Instructions

Step 01

Melt butter with olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until the butter stops foaming.

Step 02

Add thinly sliced onions with salt and pepper, stirring occasionally until deeply caramelized, about 30-35 minutes.

Step 03

Monitor onions carefully, adjusting heat or adding more fat if they begin scorching.

Step 04

Add minced garlic, pepper flakes, and sauces to caramelized onions, cooking briefly until fragrant.

Step 05

Pour in water and half the evaporated milk while increasing heat to high.

Step 06

Whisk cornstarch with the remaining milk until smooth before adding to the pot.

Step 07

Add bouillon, herbs, and seasonings while bringing the liquid to a boil.

Step 08

Add uncooked pasta, reducing heat to a medium-high simmer for 20-25 minutes.

Step 09

Stir frequently while the pasta cooks, ensuring it stays submerged in the liquid.

Step 10

Check pasta periodically, adding more water if needed until al dente.

Step 11

Remove from heat when the pasta is done but the sauce is still liquid.

Step 12

Gradually stir in Gruyere cheese until completely melted.

Step 13

Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 14

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 15

Add additional liquid if desired for a saucier consistency.

Notes

  1. One pot meal.
  2. Budget friendly.
  3. No heavy cream.
  4. Make ahead option.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large Dutch oven.
  • Mandoline (recommended).
  • Whisk.
  • Measuring cups.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter, cheese).
  • Wheat (pasta).
  • 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