Name: One Pot French Onion Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: French-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp sugar (optional, for caramelizing); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme; 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 8 oz pasta (e.g., penne, rigatoni, or fusilli); 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup water; 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it gives me that deep, slow-cooked flavor of French onion soup without hours in the kitchen. Everything cooks in one pot, so there’s minimal cleanup, and the pasta absorbs all that oniony, garlicky goodness. It’s cheesy, creamy, and incredibly comforting—a total win when I want something easy but still special.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Yellow onions, thinly sliced
Garlic, minced
Olive oil
Butter
Salt and pepper
Thyme (fresh or dried)
Bay leaf (optional)
White wine or balsamic vinegar (for deglazing)
Beef broth or vegetable broth
Pasta (short shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work best)
Heavy cream or half-and-half
Gruyère cheese, shredded (or Swiss cheese)
Parmesan cheese, grated
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

directions

I heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat and add the sliced onions with a pinch of salt.
I cook the onions slowly, stirring often, until they’re deep golden and caramelized—this takes about 20–25 minutes.
I add garlic, thyme, and a bay leaf, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
I deglaze the pot with white wine or balsamic vinegar, scraping up all the browned bits.
I pour in the broth and bring it to a boil.
I stir in the dry pasta and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and the liquid is mostly absorbed—about 10–12 minutes.
I reduce the heat, add cream, Gruyère, and Parmesan, stirring until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
I remove the bay leaf, season with salt and pepper, and top with more cheese or fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 hearty servings and takes approximately 40 minutes total—most of it spent caramelizing the onions. It’s worth the time and perfect for a satisfying dinner.

Variations

I sometimes add mushrooms to boost the umami flavor or swap the cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter version. If I want more protein, I stir in cooked shredded chicken or serve it with seared sausage on top. I’ve even used red onions or shallots when I’m out of yellow onions, and it still turns out delicious.

storage/reheating

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat it gently in a pan with a splash of broth or cream to bring back the sauce’s silkiness. It also microwaves well if I stir it halfway through. I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the creamy sauce can separate.

FAQs

Do I have to caramelize the onions fully?

Yes, I take the time to get them golden and sweet—it’s what gives this dish its rich flavor. But if I’m in a rush, I turn up the heat a bit and stir more often to speed things up.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely—I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and make sure the cheeses I use are vegetarian-friendly.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Gruyère is my go-to for that authentic French onion flavor, but Swiss or mozzarella work too. A little Parmesan adds sharpness and depth.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, I use whatever short pasta I have—penne, rotini, or even farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

How do I keep the pasta from sticking while cooking?

I stir it occasionally while simmering, and I make sure there’s enough broth to keep things moving until it’s tender.

Conclusion

This One Pot French Onion Pasta is my go-to when I want something rich, cozy, and soul-warming without a pile of dishes. It brings together everything I love about French onion soup in a creamy pasta format that’s both elegant and easy. It’s perfect for date nights, family dinners, or just when I need a little comfort in a bowl.