Name: One Pot French Onion Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: French-inspired
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 medium onions, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor); 1 1/2 cups water; 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional for extra depth of flavor); 1 1/2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, fusilli, or any shape preferred); 1 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version); 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese (mozzarella works too); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)

This One Pot French Onion Pasta is a cozy, comforting dish that combines the rich, caramelized sweetness of slow-cooked onions with creamy cheese and perfectly cooked pasta—all made in a single pot. It’s an easy, flavorful meal that feels indulgent without a lot of fuss.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil

2 medium onions, thinly sliced

1 1/2 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor)

1 1/2 cups water

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional for extra depth of flavor)

1 1/2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, fusilli, or any shape I prefer)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)

1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese (mozzarella works too)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Caramelize the onions: Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they soften and turn golden brown, about 15–20 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Deglaze & simmer: Pour in the beef broth and water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in the balsamic vinegar if using, then bring to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cook the pasta: Add the uncooked pasta to the pot, stirring well to ensure the pasta is submerged. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has reduced.

Make it creamy: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.

Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley and serve immediately.

Pro tip: If I want a crispy cheese topping, I transfer the pasta to a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and broil for 2–3 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people. The total cooking time is around 35 minutes, mostly spent on caramelizing the onions, which I think is worth every minute for the flavor it develops.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

I sometimes swap Gruyère with mozzarella or a mix of cheeses depending on what I have on hand.

To lighten it up, I replace heavy cream with milk or even a plant-based alternative.

Adding cooked mushrooms or caramelized bacon bits can add extra texture and flavor.

For a spicy twist, I sprinkle in some red pepper flakes while cooking the onions.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I gently warm the pasta on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Avoid microwaving without stirring to keep the cream sauce smooth.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! I’ve used penne, fusilli, and even farfalle. Just make sure to adjust cooking time if the pasta shape varies significantly.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes! Use vegetable broth, substitute heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream, and use vegan cheese alternatives.

What can I substitute for Gruyère cheese?

Swiss cheese or mozzarella work well. You can also mix cheeses to get the flavor and meltiness you prefer.

Is it necessary to caramelize the onions?

Caramelizing the onions is key for that rich, sweet depth of flavor. If you’re short on time, you can sauté them quickly, but the dish won’t have the same complexity.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can caramelize the onions and prepare the broth mixture ahead, then cook the pasta fresh when ready. The final creamy step is best done just before serving for optimal texture.

Conclusion

This One Pot French Onion Pasta is one of my go-to dishes when I crave something comforting yet easy to make. The slow caramelized onions combined with creamy cheese and perfectly cooked pasta create a rich and satisfying meal with minimal cleanup. I hope it becomes a favorite for you too.

Recipe: