Try This Dreamy One Pot French Onion Pasta Recipe Tonight
Creamy and deeply satisfying, this one pot french onion pasta blends classic comfort with unexpected culinary magic.
Rich caramelized onions mingle seamlessly with tender pasta, creating a dish that sings with rustic European charm.
The fragrant aroma fills your kitchen with warmth and anticipation.
Every twirl of pasta captures layers of deep, complex flavors born from simple ingredients.
Golden onions slowly transform into a luxurious sauce that coats each strand with remarkable depth.
Parmesan cheese adds a final salty punch that elevates this meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
You’ll find this recipe becomes an instant favorite, promising both ease and elegance in one delightful pan.
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FAQs
Yes, you can substitute with Swiss, Emmental, or even Parmesan cheese for a similar rich flavor profile.
Stir the onions frequently and use medium-low heat. If they start to stick, add a splash of water or broth to deglaze the pot.
To make it vegetarian, replace the beef or chicken broth with vegetable broth. The rest of the ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.
Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or shells work great because they capture the creamy sauce and caramelized onion bits perfectly.
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Main Ingredients:Liquid Ingredients:Cooking Fats and Seasonings:Creating One Pot French Onion Pasta
Step 1: Caramelize Onions
Melt butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they turn a deep golden brown and become sweet and soft.
This process takes about 20-25 minutes, so be patient and let the onions develop rich, deep flavor.
Step 2: Bloom Aromatics
Add minced garlic to the caramelized onions and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the mixture and stir continuously for another minute to cook out the raw flour taste and create a thickening base for the sauce.
Step 3: Create Liquid Base
Gradually pour chicken or vegetable broth into the pot, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
Increase heat and bring the liquid to a gentle boil, creating a flavorful foundation for the pasta.
Step 4: Cook Pasta
Add uncooked pasta directly into the pot:Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Allow pasta to simmer until it reaches al dente texture, absorbing the delicious onion-infused broth.
Step 5: Finish with Creamy Cheese
Reduce heat and stir in:Continue stirring until cheese melts completely, creating a luxurious, silky sauce that coats every pasta strand.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Season with:Garnish with fresh thyme or chopped parsley.
Serve immediately in warm bowls, allowing the rich, comforting flavors to shine.
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One Pot French Onion Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Creamy One Pot French Onion Pasta blends classic French comfort with quick weeknight convenience. Caramelized onions and rich broth create a silky sauce that will transport you to a charming Parisian bistro in minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cups (960 milliliters) beef or vegetable broth
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded Gruyere cheese
Dairy and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons (45 grams) butter
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (16 grams) all-purpose flour
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Caramelize onions in a large pot with butter and olive oil over medium heat for approximately 20 minutes, developing rich golden-brown color and deep flavor.
- Introduce minced garlic and sauté briefly, then sprinkle flour to create a smooth roux, stirring continuously for one minute to eliminate raw flour taste.
- Gradually stream chicken broth into the pot, whisking consistently to prevent lumps and create a silky base for the pasta sauce.
- Add uncooked pasta directly into the liquid, allowing it to simmer and absorb the flavorful broth while cooking until perfectly tender, gently stirring to prevent sticking.
- Lower heat and incorporate heavy cream, creating a luxurious texture while stirring in shredded Gruyère cheese until completely melted and sauce becomes velvety smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring balanced flavors throughout the dish.
- Finish by garnishing with fresh thyme or chopped parsley, adding a bright, aromatic touch to the rich, creamy pasta.
- Serve immediately while hot, allowing the cheese to stretch and showcase the dish’s comforting, indulgent qualities.
Notes
- Caramelize onions slowly over medium-low heat to develop rich, deep flavor without burning.
- Stir flour thoroughly to prevent lumps and create a smooth, silky sauce base.
- Use room temperature cream and cheese for smoother, more even melting and consistent texture.
- Swap Gruyère with other melty cheeses like Emmental or white cheddar for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 485 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Michael Reyes
Founder & Lead Recipe Developer
Expertise
Education
Santa Fe Community College
Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.