Step 1

Preheat oven to 200C/180C fan-forced. Place the onion and 2 1/2 tbsp oil in a large baking dish and toss to coat. Season.

Step 2

Cut off the top of the garlic bulb crossways, then place bulb in the centre of the baking dish. Drizzle with the remaining 2 tsp oil. Cover the dish with foil. Roast, stirring every 30 minutes, for 1 1/2 hours or until the onion is soft and golden. Remove the foil and roast, stirring halfway, for a further 10 minutes or until the onion is caramelised.

Step 3

Meanwhile, combine the French onion soup mix and cream cheese in a bowl. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water following packet directions or until al dente. Drain, reserving 125ml (1/2 cup) cooking water.

Step 4

Remove the garlic bulb from the pan and squeeze the garlic flesh from the skins into the baking dish. Add the cream cheese mixture and stir until combined. Add the pasta and reserved cooking water, and stir until the mixture is well combined. Stir in the parsley, if using. Divide among serving bowls and sprinkle with parmesan, to serve. Watch our step-by-step video below to see how to make this Caramelised French onion pasta recipe.