Description
This One Pot French Onion Pasta is a rich, cheesy, and savory dish that brings the deep flavors of French onion soup into a comforting pasta meal. Caramelized onions, garlic, beef broth, and melty Gruyère cheese create an irresistible sauce that coats every bite of pasta.
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Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for quicker caramelization)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (fusilli, penne, or rigatoni work well)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add sliced onions, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Stir occasionally and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until onions are deep golden brown.
- Add garlic and thyme, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in balsamic vinegar to deglaze the pan.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add pasta, stirring to ensure it’s submerged. Cover and cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed (10-12 minutes).
Step 3: Make it Creamy & Cheesy
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, Gruyère, and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or water.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme and serve warm.
Notes
Caramelize Slowly – The longer you cook the onions, the richer the flavor.
Use Good Cheese – Gruyère melts beautifully and gives that classic French onion taste.
Adjust the Sauce – If too thick, add a bit more broth or cream.
Make it Vegetarian – Use vegetable broth and swap Gruyère for a vegetarian cheese.