Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Hearty One Pot French Onion Pasta Recipe

Hearty One Pot French Onion Pasta Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Hearty One Pot French Onion Pasta blends classic French soup flavors with comforting pasta in a simple, elegant dish. Caramelized onions, rich broth, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal you will crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 8 oz (226 g) pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti)
  • 3 cups (710 ml) beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • 2 tbsps (28 g) butter
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded Gruyere cheese (or mozzarella)
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp thyme (fresh or dried)
  • 2 tbsps (8 g) chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Caramelize Onions: Sauté sliced onions in butter and olive oil over medium heat, seasoning with sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir occasionally until onions transform into a deep amber color, approximately 20-25 minutes.
  2. Aromatics Infusion: Add minced garlic and thyme to caramelized onions, allowing their flavors to meld and intensify for 1-2 minutes.
  3. Liquid Integration: Spread uncooked pasta over onion base, then pour beef broth and water. Bring to a rapid boil, immediately reducing to a gentle simmer.
  4. Pasta Transformation: Simmer pasta, stirring intermittently to prevent sticking, allowing liquid to absorb and create a creamy texture. Cook until pasta reaches perfect tenderness, about 10-12 minutes.
  5. Cheese Melting: Introduce Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses, stirring continuously until they dissolve into a luxurious, silky sauce coating each pasta strand.
  6. Final Touch: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, adding a burst of vibrant color and fresh flavor. Serve piping hot to preserve the dish’s rich, comforting essence.

Notes

  • Control Caramelization Heat: Use medium-low heat to slowly transform onions without burning, ensuring deep golden color and sweet, rich flavor development.
  • Prevent Pasta Sticking: Stir pasta regularly during cooking to avoid clumping and ensure even liquid absorption, creating consistently creamy texture.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Remove pot from direct heat when adding cheese to prevent separation and achieve smooth, silky sauce consistency.
  • Customize Dietary Needs: Swap beef broth with vegetable stock for vegetarian version, or use gluten-free pasta to make dish celiac-friendly without compromising taste.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 426
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 672 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 13 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg