One Pot French Onion Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One Pot French Onion Pasta is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory. The caramelized onions add a deep, rich flavor, while the beef broth gives the dish a satisfying, umami-packed base. The pasta absorbs the delicious flavors as it cooks, and the melted cheese on top adds an indulgent, gooey finish. With minimal prep and easy cleanup, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or when you’re craving something warm and comforting. It’s a simple twist on a French classic that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (such as fettuccine, penne, or elbow macaroni)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 1/2 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)

• 1 1/2 cups water

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp dried rosemary (optional)

• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free version)

• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Caramelize the onions: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until the onions are soft, golden brown, and caramelized. Be patient—this step is key for developing the deep, rich flavor. If the onions start to burn, lower the heat.

2. Add garlic and herbs: Add the minced garlic to the caramelized onions and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the dried thyme, rosemary (if using), salt, and pepper to season the mixture.

3. Cook the pasta: Pour in the beef broth and water, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the pasta. Stir to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot and cook the pasta for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid is mostly absorbed. If the pasta seems too dry, add a bit more water or broth as needed.

4. Finish the sauce: Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce is creamy and well combined.

5. Add the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese over the pasta and stir until the cheese is melted and the pasta is coated in a creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

6. Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6

• Total time: 30 minutes

• Active time: 10 minutes

• Cooking time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the beef broth and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of this dish. You can also add some sautéed mushrooms to enhance the earthy flavor.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the onions for some extra heat.

• Make it lighter: For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with a lighter milk or non-dairy milk, and use less cheese.

• Add protein: Add cooked chicken, sausage, or ground beef to the dish for extra protein.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover One Pot French Onion Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if necessary. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best fresh, you can make it ahead of time by preparing the pasta and sauce, then storing it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it and stir in the cheese. The cheese may not melt as smoothly if reheated, but it will still taste great.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! You can use any pasta shape you prefer, like penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you use.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, to make it dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or another dairy-free cream alternative, and use a dairy-free cheese or omit the cheese entirely.

How do I caramelize the onions without burning them?

To caramelize onions without burning them, cook them over medium to medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If they start to stick or burn, lower the heat and add a splash of water or broth to loosen them up. Patience is key for achieving that rich, golden brown color!

Can I freeze this dish?

It’s not ideal to freeze this dish with the pasta, as the texture of the pasta may change once frozen and thawed. However, you can freeze the sauce and reheat it with freshly cooked pasta later.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the dish when you sauté the onions and garlic for extra flavor and nutrition.

Conclusion

One Pot French Onion Pasta is the perfect comforting meal for any time of year, but especially during cooler months when you crave hearty, flavorful dishes. With caramelized onions, a savory broth-based sauce, and melty cheese, it’s everything you love about French onion soup, but with pasta! It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Try this dish today, and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of French onion soup in a fun, pasta-filled way!