Description

This One Pot French Onion Pasta is a comforting and flavorful recipe that combines deeply caramelized onions, tender pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce all cooked together in a single pot. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it features rich Gruyère cheese and a hint of thyme, bringing classic French onion soup flavors into a hearty pasta dish with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)

Liquid and Pasta

4 cups low-sodium beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
12 oz uncooked pasta (such as rigatoni or penne)

Dairy and Cheese

1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Caramelize the onions: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15–20 minutes until they become deeply caramelized and golden brown. This slow cooking brings out their natural sweetness.
Add seasoning and garlic: Sprinkle in the sugar, salt, and black pepper to encourage even browning. Stir well, then add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
Deglaze the pan: Pour in the balsamic vinegar and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot, which will add rich flavor to the dish.
Add thyme and broth: Stir in the fresh or dried thyme leaves, then pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Cook the pasta: Add the uncooked pasta to the simmering broth, stirring well to combine and to ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot and simmer over medium-low heat for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the broth is mostly absorbed.
Finish with cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, shredded Gruyère, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy and luscious. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve: Spoon the pasta into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your rich and comforting One Pot French Onion Pasta.

Notes

Gruyère cheese provides the classic French onion flavor, but you can substitute Swiss cheese or fontina if preferred.
For a vegetarian version, swap the beef broth with vegetable broth to keep it meat-free.
To create a crusty finish, sprinkle extra cheese on top and broil the pasta briefly before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: French-Inspired