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One Pot French Onion Pasta

Creamy one-pot French onion pasta with caramelized onions and parsley in a white Dutch oven.

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One Pot French Onion Pasta brings the rich, savory flavor of caramelized onions and creamy cheese together in a comforting, easy-to-make one-pot pasta dish. Perfect for cozy nights and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

  • Yellow onions – provide the base flavor through slow caramelization
  • Garlic – enhances the aroma and depth of the dish
  • Olive oil & butter – used for caramelizing onions and creating a rich flavor base
  • Thyme & bay leaf – add warm, herby undertones
  • Short-cut pasta – absorbs the broth and cooks evenly in one pot
  • Beef or vegetable broth – serves as the flavorful liquid for cooking the pasta
  • Heavy cream – adds velvety richness to the sauce
  • Gruyère or mozzarella – melts smoothly into the sauce, echoing French onion soup
  • Parmesan – adds sharp, salty umami depth
  • Salt and pepper – final seasoning to taste

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the onions in butter and olive oil over medium-low heat until golden brown.
  2. Stir in garlic, thyme, and bay leaf until fragrant.
  3. Deglaze the pot with broth, scraping up the browned bits.
  4. Add dry pasta and stir to ensure it’s submerged.
  5. Simmer until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
  6. Pour in heavy cream and stir until the sauce slightly thickens.
  7. Add shredded Gruyère and parmesan; stir until melted and creamy.
  8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving for sauce to set and cling to the pasta.

Notes

  • Caramelize onions slowly for the best flavor—don’t rush this step.
  • Use a pinch of sugar to help onions caramelize faster if needed.
  • Add mushrooms, spinach, or protein to customize.
  • Reheat gently with cream or broth to restore the sauce’s texture.
  • Gluten-free pasta and dairy-free alternatives can be used for dietary needs.

Nutrition