One-Pot French Onion Pasta combines the rich, sweet flavours of caramelized onions with creamy Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses, all cooked in a single pot for easy preparation and cleanup. This pasta is comforting and perfect for a cozy, fuss-free meal!

TikTok viral French Onion Pasta

In the mood for a comforting and savoury dish that’s both easy to make and a sure crowd-pleaser? Look no further! This One-Pot French Onion Pasta will become a new favourite in your household. It’s a cozy that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend date night.

French Onion Soup Pasta went viral on TikTok and for good reason: it’s one of those dishes that is just packed with flavour and is easy to make. This is my variation of the recipe that can be made vegetarian with vegetable broth, or made with beef broth for a non-vegetarian version.

Why you’ll love this recipe

  • One-Pot Wonder: Since this entire recipe is made in just one pot, it requires minimal preparation and cleanup.
  • Flavourful Comfort: The combination of rich caramelized onions and smokey cheese creates a seriously delicious taste that will make you feel like you’re eating in a French bistro.
  • Versatile and Adaptable: You can easily switch up ingredients in this pasta recipe to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
  • Quick to Make: Perfect for a busy weeknight, this pasta is ready in about 40 minutes. (And most of that time is dedicated to letting the onions caramelize!)

Onion Soup Pasta Ingredients and Substitutions

  • Olive Oil: A healthy oil that creates a perfect base for sautéing onions.
  • Butter: Adds a bit of richness and helps caramelize the onions to perfection.
  • Onions: The star of the dish, they become sweet and flavorful when caramelized.
  • Garlic: Brings a fragrant aroma and depth of flavour.
  • Fresh Thyme Leaves: Adds a fresh, herby touch that complements the onions. You can use dried thyme if needed.
  • White Wine: Deglazes the pot and adds a subtle, acidic brightness. You can also use red wine if that’s what you have on hand or just additional broth.
  • Vegetable Broth: A flavorful liquid that cooks the pasta and adds depth. For a non-vegetarian version use beef broth.
  • Pasta: The backbone of the dish, it absorbs all the delicious flavours. You can use any type of pasta you love in this recipe.
  • Smoked Gruyere Cheese: This is a creamy, smokey cheese that melts beautifully. You can substitute with regular Gruyere cheese, or smoked cheddar or gouda.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami kick.
  • Lemon Juice: A splash brightens up the dish.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavours.

*Full ingredient measurements and recipe instructions are below in the recipe card.

How to Make French Onion Pasta

Step 1

Start by caramelizing the onions. This is the longest step in the recipe as you can’t rush the caramelization process! Heat the oil and butter on medium-high heat in a pot or pan with high sides. Add the sliced onions with 1/4 tsp of salt and let cook for 20-30 minutes on medium-low heat stirring occasionally.

Step 2

Once the onions are caramelized, add the garlic and fresh thyme and mix together letting cook for another minute or two. Deglaze the pan with some white wine, then add the pasta and vegetable or beef broth and stir together bringing the pasta to a light boil. Then cover and let the pasta simmer on medium-low for 8-12 minutes or until al dente.

Step 3

Add the smoked gruyere cheese and parmesan cheese and mix together until the cheese melts through. Season with salt and pepper.

Recipe variations

  • Protein Add-Ins: Want to up the protein in this dish? Try adding any type of protein you like such as regular or vegetarian sausage or ground meat.
  • Vegan-Friendly: You can easily make this recipe vegan by using plant-based butter and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular pasta with your favourite gluten-free variety.

How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerate: Store leftover onion pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat: It’s best to reheat this pasta in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed if the pasta is sticking together. You can also reheat this pasta dish in the microwave if needed.

Expert Tips for Making French Onion Pasta

  1. Cook the Onions Low and Slow: This process cannot be rushed! Make sure to take your time caramelizing the onions for the best flavour. This will take 20-30 minutes.
  2. Stir the Onions Regularly: It’s best to stir the onions every 5 minutes or so to prevent any onions from burning and so they cook evenly.
  3. Quality Ingredients: For the best results, use good quality cheese and fresh thyme. You can find Smoked Gruyere cheese at most specialty cheese stores and fresh thyme at your local grocery store.
  4. Adjust Liquids: Depending on the type of pasta you use, you may need to add slightly more liquid. If you find the pasta feels too firm once it’s absorbed all the liquid, add a bit more broth and continue to cook.
  5. Taste and Adjust: Depending on the brand of broth you use, you may find the pasta needs some extra seasoning. If this is the case add salt and pepper to taste or try adding some more cheese for extra flavour.
  6. Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed right away.

Caramelized Onion Pasta FAQ

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes. You can use any type of pasta you like. Just keep in mind you may need to adjust the cooking time and amount of liquid used depending on the type of pasta you use.

What type of pasta is best for French onion soup pasta?

While you can use any type of pasta you love, I recommend a short pasta with ridges or a hole to help capture the sauce and caramelized onions in each bite. Some great options are Mafalda, Penne, Rigatoni or Rotini.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

This dish is definitely best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated if needed.

Can I freeze French Onion Pata?

I don’t recommend freezing this pasta as it will become mushy.

Try these Pasta Recipes Next!

If you tried this One-Pot French Onion Pasta or any other recipe on the blog let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment/rating below! Be sure to follow along on Pinterest, Instagram, Tiktok and Facebook for even more deliciousness!

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French Onion Pasta

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  • Author: Jessica Hoffman
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Cook
  • Cuisine: French
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

One-Pot French Onion Pasta the flavours of caramelized onions with creamy Gruyere cheese, all cooked in a single pot for an easy meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon butter
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/4 cup white wine (can sub red wine or broth)
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 8 ounces uncooked pasta (I use Mafalda pasta)
  • 1/2 cup shredded gruyere cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Caramelize Onions: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and 1/4 tsp of salt and cook on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized and golden brown, about 20-30 minutes. Add garlic, and thyme, and cook for another 2 minutes.

  2. Deglaze: Pour in the white wine (or extra broth) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

  3. Add Broth and Pasta: Add the vegetable broth and pasta and bring the mixture to a light boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and let simmer for 8-12 minutes until the pasta is cooked.

  4. Season and serve: Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat. Stir in the Gruyere cheese, Parmesan cheese and lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve as is or with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Notes

The key to this dish is properly caramelizing the onions, which adds a deep, sweet flavour.

Cooking time and broth needed can vary depending on the type of pasta you use.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Fat: 13g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 18g