Name: One Pot French Onion Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 4 cups low-sodium beef broth; 1 cup water; 12 ounces uncooked pasta, such as penne or rigatoni; ½ cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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If you’re searching for a dish that tastes like cozy French bistro fare yet comes together with minimal fuss, look no further than One Pot French Onion Pasta. Imagine the deep, slow-simmered flavor of classic French onion soup mingling with creamy, cheesy pasta—the ultimate comfort food marriage! Not only is this recipe magical for weeknights (you’ll dirty just one pot), but every swirl of noodles captures sweet caramelized onions, rich broth, pops of fresh thyme, and melty Gruyère. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s endlessly satisfying, all with that signature French elegance baked right in.

One Pot French Onion Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe for One Pot French Onion Pasta relies on a handful of classic ingredients, each one pulling its weight. From pantry staples to a few star flavors, they’re all essential to create ultimate depth and that irresistible creamy finish.

Unsalted butter: The foundation for perfectly caramelized onions and a velvety mouthfeel.
Olive oil: Adds extra richness and helps keep the butter from burning during the long caramelizing process.
Yellow onions: When slowly cooked, these transform into sweet, golden goodness that’s the heart of the dish.
Salt: Draws out the onions’ moisture, speeding up caramelization and enhancing every flavor note.
Black pepper: For just the right touch of warmth and balance.
Balsamic vinegar: A splash of acidity brightens and deepens the flavor of the onions.
Garlic: Brings a gentle pungency that perfectly complements the sweetness of caramelized onions.
Fresh thyme leaves (or dried): The herby backbone that ties the French-inspired flavors together. Fresh is best, but dried will do in a pinch.
Low-sodium beef broth: Infuses the pasta with that classic French onion soup taste; use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Water: Helps cook the pasta just right and prevents it from getting too salty.
Uncooked pasta (penne or rigatoni): Tube-shaped pasta captures the silky sauce and onions in every bite.
Heavy cream: Lends incredible richness to the final sauce, making it luscious and smooth.
Gruyère cheese (grated): Classic for French onion, it melts beautifully, adding deep complexity and stretch.
Parmesan cheese (grated): Adds sharp, nutty saltiness for a well-rounded cheesy finish.
Fresh parsley (chopped): For a vibrant, fresh burst right before serving—a real visual and flavor lift.

How to Make One Pot French Onion Pasta

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Start by heating the butter and olive oil together in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Once melted and shimmering, toss in all those thinly sliced onions, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. This is where the magic happens—slow-cook, stirring occasionally, for 25 to 30 minutes. You want the onions jammy, golden brown, and ultra-sweet. Patience here pays off and gives your One Pot French Onion Pasta its signature sweet richness.

Step 2: Add Balsamic, Garlic, and Thyme

Once the onions are deeply caramelized, stir in the balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, and thyme. Let everything cook for about a minute, just until the garlic is fragrant and the balsamic has lifted up those gorgeous brown bits stuck to the bottom. This step intensifies both the sweet and savory notes, layering in that unmistakable French flavor.

Step 3: Build the Broth and Cook Pasta

Next, pour in the beef broth and water, stirring well to combine and bring the mixture to a boil. Add your uncooked pasta right into this delicious liquid—no need to boil water separately! Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring often. The pasta will absorb the flavorful broth, and you’ll see the sauce thicken as the starches release. By the end, the liquid should be almost entirely absorbed, leaving you with fragrant, deeply flavorful noodles.

Step 4: Cream and Cheese Magic

Take the pot off the heat, then stir in the heavy cream, grated Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses. Fold them in gently until everything melts together. The sauce turns wonderfully silky and cheesy, enveloping every piece of pasta and onion. This moment is when the One Pot French Onion Pasta truly shines, boasting a perfectly balanced, luxurious finish.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle over plenty of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while piping hot—every bite is guaranteed to be a warm embrace!

How to Serve One Pot French Onion Pasta

Garnishes

To add that extra touch of French bistro character, finish your dish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. You could also add another small flurry of grated Gruyère or Parmesan over the top right before serving, and for a bit of crunch, try a few homemade croutons or crispy fried shallots as a nod to the soup that inspired this pasta.

Side Dishes

One Pot French Onion Pasta is rich and deeply flavored, so it pairs beautifully with bright, simple sides. A crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette is classic, as is a platter of steamed green beans or roasted asparagus. If you’re feeling indulgent, serve slabs of crusty baguette for mopping up the extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this pasta into the star of a dinner party by serving it in individual baking dishes, topping with extra cheese, and broiling briefly to brown and bubble. Or, pile it into a deep serving platter, scatter over herbs and crispy onions, and let everyone serve themselves family-style. Whichever way, the creamy tangle of noodles and caramelized onions is guaranteed to draw a crowd.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One Pot French Onion Pasta holds up surprisingly well! Keep any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen even more as they sit, making for a delicious next-day lunch or dinner.

Freezing

For best texture, freezing isn’t ideal due to the creamy sauce and cheese, which can separate or become grainy when thawed. If you must freeze, use a freezer-safe container and eat within one month. Thaw gradually in the fridge and expect the sauce may need a little stirring or a splash of cream to revive it.

Reheating

The easiest way to reheat is gently on the stove over medium-low heat. Add a few tablespoons of water, broth, or a splash of cream to loosen the sauce as it warms. Stir frequently to keep things creamy and avoid scorching the cheese.

FAQs

Can I make One Pot French Onion Pasta vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap the beef broth for a rich vegetable broth. The flavor will be slightly different but still ultra-delicious and perfect for vegetarians.

What kinds of pasta work best for this recipe?

Penne and rigatoni are terrific because their hollow shapes hold onto the sauce and onions, but feel free to use any sturdy short pasta you have on hand, like fusilli or orecchiette.

Can I use Swiss cheese instead of Gruyère?

Gruyère offers a nutty, authentic French flavor, but Swiss cheese is a great (and usually less expensive) substitute. It will melt beautifully and still deliver that gooey, cheesy goodness.

How can I add even more flavor?

Try sauteing a handful of mushrooms with the onions, or toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a hint of heat. A little splash of sherry or white wine right before adding the broth also intensifies the umami notes.

Does this recipe double easily?

Yes! Double every ingredient and use a very large pot. Be sure to stir often, as larger batches may need a few extra minutes for the pasta to cook evenly and the liquid to absorb.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something utterly comforting about swirling your fork through a bowl of One Pot French Onion Pasta—the blend of sweet onions, silky sauce, and bubbling cheese is impossible to resist. If you’re craving restaurant-worthy flavor with effortless cleanup, this is your new go-to recipe. Give it a try soon, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a staple in your weekly dinner rotation!

One Pot French Onion Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and flavorful one-pot pasta dish featuring caramelized onions, creamy cheeses, and aromatic herbs. This French-American fusion recipe is a perfect balance of savory flavors and creamy textures, making it an ideal choice for an easy and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Onion Mixture:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Pasta:

4 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 cup water
12 ounces uncooked pasta, such as penne or rigatoni

Finishing Touches:

½ cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

Caramelize Onions: Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot, add onions, salt, and pepper. Cook for 25-30 minutes until caramelized.
Add Flavor: Stir in balsamic vinegar, garlic, and thyme; cook for another minute.
Cook Pasta: Pour in beef broth and water, bring to a boil. Add pasta, simmer for 10-12 minutes until al dente.
Finish Dish: Stir in cream, Gruyère, and Parmesan until melted. Garnish with parsley before serving.