Description

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

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)

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden brown, about 15–20 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Pour in beef broth and water, scraping up browned bits from the pot. Stir in balsamic vinegar if using. Bring to a simmer and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add uncooked pasta to the pot, stirring to submerge pasta. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and liquid has reduced.
Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheese until cheese melts and sauce is creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley and serve immediately.
Optional: For a crispy cheese topping, transfer pasta to a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and broil for 2–3 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Notes

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

Substitute Gruyère with mozzarella or a mix of cheeses if desired.

Replace heavy cream with milk or a plant-based alternative to lighten the dish.

Add cooked mushrooms or caramelized bacon bits for extra texture and flavor.

For a spicy twist, add red pepper flakes while cooking the onions.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on stove with splash of broth or milk.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: One Pot Cooking, Sautéing, Simmering
Cuisine: French-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 18 g
Cholesterol: 60 mg