There’s something undeniably comforting about the rich, caramelized flavors of French onion soup. The deep, savory sweetness of slow-cooked onions, the warmth of broth-soaked noodles, and the melty cheese that pulls with every bite—this dish brings all those familiar flavors into a creamy, one-pot pasta that’s perfect for cozy dinners at home.
French onion pasta is like a hug in a bowl, making it an ideal dish for chilly evenings, lazy Sundays, or anytime you crave something hearty and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. The best part? Everything comes together in a single pot, meaning fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your meal.
If you’re a fan of French onion soup but love the ease of pasta, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Flavorful – Caramelized onions create a deep, savory taste that makes this dish irresistible.
- One-Pot Wonder – Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing pots.
- Cheesy Goodness – Topped with a generous layer of melted cheese, this dish is creamy, gooey, and utterly satisfying.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a meal to impress guests, or just a cozy night in, this pasta fits the bill.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 12 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine or penne)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make One-Pot French Onion Pasta
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
The secret to this dish’s deep flavor is perfectly caramelized onions. In a large pot or deep skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and golden brown—this process takes about 25-30 minutes.
Patience is key here! Caramelizing onions properly brings out their natural sweetness, creating that signature rich flavor. If the onions start to stick to the pan too much, add a splash of broth to deglaze the pot.
Step 2: Add the Garlic and Seasonings
Once the onions are beautifully caramelized, stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Let these cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. The garlic will add depth, while the Worcestershire sauce enhances the umami richness of the dish.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta in the Same Pot
Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the pasta directly into the pot, stirring occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly and absorbs all that incredible flavor. Depending on the pasta shape, this will take 10-12 minutes.
Since we’re cooking the pasta in the broth instead of water, it soaks up every bit of that delicious oniony goodness, making every bite extra flavorful.
Step 4: Add the Cream and Cheese
Once the pasta is tender and most of the broth has been absorbed, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. This step makes the dish creamy and luxurious. Then, add in the shredded Gruyère and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until they melt into a smooth, velvety sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the pot from the heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately. If you love that extra cheesy, baked feel, you can transfer the pasta to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle some extra cheese on top, and broil it for a couple of minutes until golden and bubbly.
Helpful Tips
- Be patient with the onions – The longer you let them caramelize, the richer the flavor. Don’t rush this step!
- Use the right cheese – Gruyère gives that classic French onion soup taste, but mozzarella adds that satisfying gooey texture. You can also mix in Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor.
- Adjust the consistency – If your pasta sauce feels too thick, add a splash of broth to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for another minute to thicken.
- Want extra crunch? – Top the pasta with crispy fried onions or homemade croutons for added texture.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes
- If you prefer a lighter version, swap out heavy cream for half-and-half.
- You can substitute vegetable broth for beef broth if you want a vegetarian-friendly option.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~520
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Calcium: 320mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine and penne work well, you can use any pasta you like. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type you choose.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to bring back the creamy consistency. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between intervals.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the caramelized onions ahead and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to cook, simply proceed with the recipe from Step 2.
What can I serve with this pasta?
A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make perfect sides to balance out the richness of the dish.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little extra broth or cream if needed. Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate when thawed.
Related Recipes
If you loved this one-pot French onion pasta, you might enjoy these other comforting dishes:
- French Onion Meatballs: A Comforting Classic with a Twist
- Hearty Ratatouille Soup
- Steak Frites: A French Bistro Classic for Home
- Creamy Dijon Rosemary Chicken
Conclusion
One-pot French onion pasta is the perfect fusion of two beloved comfort foods—French onion soup and creamy pasta. With caramelized onions, rich broth-infused noodles, and plenty of melty cheese, this dish is an instant classic.
It’s easy enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough to serve guests. Plus, since everything comes together in one pot, you’ll spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying every flavorful bite.
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One-Pot French Onion Pasta
Description
There’s something undeniably comforting about the rich, caramelized flavors of French onion soup. The deep, savory sweetness of slow-cooked onions, the warmth of broth-soaked noodles, and the melty cheese that pulls with every bite—this dish brings all those familiar flavors into a creamy, one-pot pasta that’s perfect for cozy dinners at home.
French onion pasta is like a hug in a bowl, making it an ideal dish for chilly evenings, lazy Sundays, or anytime you crave something hearty and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. The best part? Everything comes together in a single pot, meaning fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your meal.
If you’re a fan of French onion soup but love the ease of pasta, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 12 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine or penne)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
The secret to this dish’s deep flavor is perfectly caramelized onions. In a large pot or deep skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and golden brown—this process takes about 25-30 minutes.
Patience is key here! Caramelizing onions properly brings out their natural sweetness, creating that signature rich flavor. If the onions start to stick to the pan too much, add a splash of broth to deglaze the pot.
Once the onions are beautifully caramelized, stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Let these cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. The garlic will add depth, while the Worcestershire sauce enhances the umami richness of the dish.
Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the pasta directly into the pot, stirring occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly and absorbs all that incredible flavor. Depending on the pasta shape, this will take 10-12 minutes.
Since we’re cooking the pasta in the broth instead of water, it soaks up every bit of that delicious oniony goodness, making every bite extra flavorful.
Once the pasta is tender and most of the broth has been absorbed, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. This step makes the dish creamy and luxurious. Then, add in the shredded Gruyère and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until they melt into a smooth, velvety sauce.
Remove the pot from the heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately. If you love that extra cheesy, baked feel, you can transfer the pasta to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle some extra cheese on top, and broil it for a couple of minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes
- If you prefer a lighter version, swap out heavy cream for half-and-half.
- You can substitute vegetable broth for beef broth if you want a vegetarian-friendly option.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
