If you love French onion soup and pasta, you’ll fall head over heels for this One Pot French Onion Pasta recipe. Combining the rich flavors of caramelized onions, garlic, and melted cheese in a creamy sauce, this dish is both indulgent and comforting. Plus, with just one pot needed, cleanup is a breeze!
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 large onions, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
1 cup water
12 ounces pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti work well)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Caramelize the Onions:
Start by melting the butter in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sugar, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 15-20 minutes until the onions become golden brown and caramelized. This slow cooking process will bring out the onions’ natural sweetness and flavor.
Add Garlic and Seasonings:
Once the onions are caramelized, stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Let this cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and the seasonings meld together.
Add Liquid and Pasta:
Pour in the beef broth and water, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze it and release any caramelized bits stuck to the pan. Add the pasta, making sure it is fully submerged in the liquid. Bring everything to a boil.
Cook the Pasta:
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot. You’ll want the pasta to cook al dente and absorb most of the liquid.
Finish with Cream and Cheese:
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and shredded Gruyère cheese. Allow the cheese to melt completely, turning the sauce into a creamy, velvety coating for the pasta. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Serve:
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately. Pair with a side of crusty bread to mop up the delicious sauce for the ultimate French onion-inspired meal.
Serving Tips:
Pair with Side Dishes:
Crusty Bread: A loaf of fresh, crusty bread is the perfect accompaniment to soak up the delicious creamy sauce. Try a baguette or rustic country bread.
Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the pasta. A simple mix of arugula, spinach, or mixed greens works well.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts make a great side, adding texture and freshness to the meal.
Add Extra Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle some extra shredded Gruyère or Parmesan on top before serving for an added cheesy touch. A few crispy fried onions on top also enhance the French onion soup experience.
Garnish with Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a touch of color and freshness, which contrasts nicely with the rich and creamy sauce.
Wine Pairing: Serve with a glass of white wine such as Chardonnay or a light red like Pinot Noir. These wines complement the savory and creamy flavors of the pasta beautifully.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration:
Store any leftover One Pot French Onion Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. The creamy sauce may thicken upon cooling, but it will loosen up when reheated.
Freezing:
While freezing the dish is possible, the texture of the pasta and sauce may change slightly once thawed. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
To reheat, place the pasta in a pot over low heat and stir occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a variety of pasta shapes for this dish! While fettuccine, linguine, and spaghetti work best, feel free to swap them with penne, rigatoni, or any pasta you have on hand. Just make sure the pasta is long enough or small enough to absorb the sauce properly and cook evenly.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegetarian, simply swap the beef broth for vegetable broth. The caramelized onions and cheese still provide plenty of savory flavor, making this a delicious meat-free option.
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Gruyère?
Yes! While Gruyère adds a wonderful nutty flavor and melt, Swiss cheese is a great alternative. If you want something sharper, you can use sharp cheddar, or for a more delicate flavor, try mozzarella. Just ensure the cheese melts well to create that creamy texture.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the pot while cooking?
To prevent the pasta from sticking, make sure it’s fully submerged in the liquid. Stir the pasta occasionally while it’s cooking to help separate the strands. If you find the pasta is still sticking, add a little extra liquid (broth or water) and continue to stir until the pasta is cooked al dente and the sauce has thickened.
Conclusion:
One Pot French Onion Pasta is the perfect blend of rich flavors and ease of preparation. With minimal ingredients and just one pot to clean, it’s an ideal dish for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. Try this recipe today, and enjoy a warm, comforting meal that will have you coming back for seconds!
📖 Recipe:
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One Pot French Onion Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy One Pot French Onion Pasta combines the rich flavors of caramelized onions, garlic, and melted cheese inspired by French onion soup. Made with minimal ingredients in just one pot, it’s a comforting, savory dish that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner. The pasta is cooked right in the flavorful broth, making for an easy, satisfying meal with less cleanup.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 large onions, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
1 cup water
12 ounces pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti work well)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and sugar, and cook for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and caramelized.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Liquid and Pasta: Pour in beef broth and water, scraping the pot to deglaze. Add pasta, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. Bring to a boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: Stir in heavy cream and Gruyère cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with crusty bread for an authentic French onion experience.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth.
Feel free to use other pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni if you prefer.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months. Reheat with extra liquid for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course Comfort Food Pasta Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 450 kcal (per serving, approx.)
