One Pot French Onion Pasta
This One Pot French Onion Pasta combines the deep, rich flavors of classic French onion soup with the creamy goodness of pasta. Caramelized onions, savory broth, and melted cheese come together to create a comforting dish that’s both hearty and indulgent. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this one-pot meal is simple, flavorful, and sure to become a family favorite!
My family loves anything with cheese and caramelized onions, so I knew I had to try blending those flavors into a pasta dish. The result was this One Pot French Onion Pasta, and it was an instant hit! My husband can never get enough, and it’s now on our regular meal rotation. We love that it’s all made in one pot, which means easy prep and cleanup, making it a go-to for busy weeknights. The way the pasta soaks up the oniony broth and gets topped with gooey cheese is just pure comfort on a plate!
Why You’ll Love One Pot French Onion Pasta
•One Pot Wonder: Less dishes, more flavor! Everything is cooked in a single pot for convenience.
•Comforting & Hearty: Caramelized onions and melty cheese make this a perfect comfort meal.
•Packed with Flavor: The savory broth and deep onion flavor are reminiscent of classic French onion soup.
•Quick & Easy: With minimal ingredients and just one pot, this dish is simple to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients Notes for One Pot French Onion Pasta
•Onions: Caramelizing the onions is key to developing deep, sweet, and savory flavors.
•Pasta: Use any pasta you love. Short pasta like penne or rotini works well, but spaghetti or fettuccine are also great.
•Beef Broth: The rich broth mimics the flavors of French onion soup and adds depth to the pasta.
•Gruyère or Swiss Cheese: This classic cheese is perfect for melting on top, adding a creamy, gooey texture.
•Garlic & Thyme: Adds a boost of savory and aromatic flavor.
Recipe Steps for One Pot French Onion Pasta
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
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1.In a large pot, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 3 large thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown (about 20-25 minutes).
Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs
2.Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp fresh thyme. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Broth and Pasta
3.Add 4 cups of beef broth and bring to a boil. Stir in 12 oz of pasta and cook, uncovered, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid (about 10-12 minutes).
Step 4: Add Cheese
4.Stir in 1 cup of shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese until melted. For extra richness, add ½ cup of heavy cream (optional). Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Serve
5.Serve the pasta hot, topped with extra cheese and fresh thyme for garnish if desired.
Storage Options
•Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water.
•Freezer: This pasta doesn’t freeze well due to the cheese and creamy texture, but it’s so good, it probably won’t last long enough to freeze!
Variations & Substitutions
•Vegetarian Option: Substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.
•Extra Veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
•Cheese Options: Swap Gruyère with mozzarella or Parmesan if preferred.
One Pot French Onion Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta such as penne or rotini
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large onions thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups beef broth or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese or Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Onions: In a large pot or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized and golden brown.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the pasta to the pot, followed by the beef broth, balsamic vinegar, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente and the liquid has mostly absorbed.
- Add Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded Gruyère and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
