One Pot French Onion Pasta

One Pot French Onion Pasta combines the rich, savory flavors of classic French onion soup with the comfort of creamy pasta.

This dish is made in a single pot for easy cleanup and features caramelized onions, melty cheese, and perfectly tender pasta. If you’re looking for a hearty, flavor-packed meal that’s simple to prepare, this recipe is for you!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large pot or deep skillet with a lid
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater

Ingredients

• 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 8 oz uncooked pasta (e.g., fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti)
• 3 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Caramelize Onions: Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15–20 minutes until golden and caramelized. Sprinkle with sugar halfway through to enhance caramelization.
2. Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta to the pot, followed by the broth and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
4. Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and 3/4 cup of the shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
5. Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, and cover for 2–3 minutes to let it melt. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

30 minutes

Total Time

40 minutes

Nutrition (Per Serving, Serves 4)

• Calories: 410
• Protein: 13g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fat: 17g
• Fiber: 3g

Expert Tips

• Onions: Take your time caramelizing the onions for the best depth of flavor.
• Cheese: Gruyère gives an authentic French onion flavor, but mozzarella or Swiss are great substitutes.
• Broth: Use beef broth for a richer flavor or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, substitute butter with vegan butter, use plant-based cream, and swap the cheese for vegan cheese.

What type of pasta works best?
Long pasta like fettuccine or linguine works well, but shorter shapes like penne or rigatoni can also be used.

Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! Cooked chicken, sliced sausage, or even ground beef can be added for a heartier meal.

How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a pot over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to restore the creamy consistency.

Storing & Reheating

• To Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• To Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of liquid if needed.

Substitutions & Variations

• Milk Instead of Cream: Use whole milk for a lighter version.
• Add Vegetables: Stir in spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
• Cheese Blend: Mix Gruyère with Parmesan for a sharper flavor.

One Pot French Onion Pasta

One Pot French Onion Pasta combines the rich, savory flavors of classic French onion soup with the comfort of creamy pasta.

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Equipment

• - Large pot or deep skillet with a lid
• - Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• - Cheese grater

Ingredients

  

• - 3 large yellow onions thinly sliced
• - 2 tbsp olive oil
• - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• - 3 garlic cloves minced
• - 1 tsp sugar
• - 1 tsp dried thyme
• - 1/2 tsp salt
• - 1/4 tsp black pepper
• - 8 oz uncooked pasta e.g., fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti
• - 3 cups beef or vegetable broth
• - 1 cup water
• - 1/2 cup heavy cream
• - 1 cup shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese
• - Fresh parsley for garnish optional

Instructions

 

• **Caramelize Onions:** Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15–20 minutes until golden and caramelized. Sprinkle with sugar halfway through to enhance caramelization.
• **Add Garlic and Seasonings:** Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
• **Cook the Pasta:** Add the uncooked pasta to the pot, followed by the broth and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
• **Add Cream and Cheese:** Stir in the heavy cream and 3/4 cup of the shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
• **Serve:** Remove from heat, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, and cover for 2–3 minutes to let it melt. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.