One Pot French Onion Pasta Recipe
At its heart, the One Pot French Onion Pasta Recipe is a comforting fusion of two beloved classics: French onion soup and creamy pasta.
Equipment
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons.
Ingredients
- 12 oz 340 g pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
- 3 large yellow onions thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar optional, helps caramelization
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or ½ teaspoon dried
- ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups beef broth or vegetable broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Ingredients:
- ½ cup white wine for deglazing
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions Slowly
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly for 20–25 minutes, stirring often, until the onions turn deep golden brown and smell sweet and savory.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
- Stir in garlic, thyme, black pepper, and sugar if using. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. If using white wine, pour it in now and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Step 3: Add Pasta and Broth
- Add the dry pasta directly into the pot, followed by the broth. Stir well to make sure the pasta is mostly submerged. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Finish
- Once the pasta is tender and the liquid has reduced, lower the heat. Stir in the heavy cream, Gruyère, and Parmesan. The sauce should look glossy and coat the pasta beautifully.
Step 5: Taste and Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with parsley and extra cheese if desired. This is the moment where the One Pot French Onion Pasta Recipe truly shines.