Description
This One Pot French Onion Pasta is a hearty and comforting dish combining deeply caramelized onions, tender pasta, and rich cheeses into a creamy, flavorful meal. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it simplifies traditional French onion soup flavors into a satisfying pasta dish cooked all in one pot.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- Unsalted butter – 3 tablespoons
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
- Yellow onions, thinly sliced – 3 large
- Garlic, minced – 3 cloves
- Dried thyme – 1 teaspoon
Liquids & Broth
- Dry white wine – 1/2 cup (optional)
- Beef broth – 4 cups
- Water – 1 cup
Pasta & Seasoning
- Uncooked pasta (penne or rotini) – 12 ounces
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – 1/2 teaspoon
Dairy & Garnish
- Heavy cream – 1/2 cup
- Grated Gruyere cheese – 1 cup
- Grated Parmesan cheese – 1/2 cup
- Chopped fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons (for garnish)
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: Heat the butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring often, for 20 to 25 minutes until they are deeply caramelized, developing a rich golden-brown color and sweet flavor.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the dry white wine if using, and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the flavors to concentrate.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Stir in the beef broth, water, uncooked pasta, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in Cream and Cheese: Remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream, grated Gruyere, and Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the pasta into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Substitute vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or chicken broth for less richness.
- For a deeper caramelized onion flavor, cook the onions an extra 5 minutes.
- Add mushrooms for additional texture and umami.
