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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 prep and cleanup. This pasta is comforting and perfect for a cozy, fuss-free meal!
Table of Contents
If you’re in the mood for a comforting and savoury dish that’s both easy to make and a crows pleaser then this One-Pot French Onion Pasta will become a new favourite in your household. It’s a cozy dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend date night served alongside some Roasted Acorn Squash Soup and Kale White Bean Salad.
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.
Recipe Highlights
- One-Pot: Since this entire recipe is made in just one pot, it requires minimal preparation and cleanup. For more one-pot recipes also try my broccoli and cheddar orzo.
- Packed with flavour: The combination of caramelized onions and smokey cheese creates a seriously delicious pasta that makes you feel like you’re eating in a French bistro.
- Versatile: You can easily switch up ingredients in this pasta recipe to suit your taste or use any shape pasta you like.
- Quick & easy: Perfect for a busy weeknight, this pasta is ready in about 40 minutes. For an even quicker meal try this 15-minute Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Onions: I use yellow onions in this dish but any type of onions you have on hand will work like red onions or white onions. For a milder onion taste you can also use shallots like I use in these Brothy Baked Beans.
- Garlic: Brings a fragrant aroma and depth of flavour.
- White Wine: You can use any type of white wine or substitute with red wine. If you prefer not to use wine feel free to just use more broth with a touch of lemon juice.
- Pasta: Use any type of pasta you love for this recipe. I personally like to use a short grain pasta like mafalda. You can also use another pasta such as rigatoni like I use in this Marry Me Pasta.
- Smoked Gruyere Cheese: This is a creamy, smokey cheese that melts beautifully. You can substitute with regular Gruyere cheese, or smoked cheddar or gouda.
*Full ingredient measurements and recipe instructions are below in the recipe card.
How To Make French Onion Pasta
Step 1: 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 1-2 minutes
Step 3: Deglaze the pan with some white wine, then add the pasta and broth and cook the pasta 8-12 minutes.
Step 4: Add the smoked gruyere cheese and parmesan cheese and mix together until the cheese melts through. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Mix together and serve.
Recipe Variations
- Add protein: 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 like I add to this Vegan Taco Pasta.
- Vegan-Friendly: You can easily make this recipe vegan by using plant-based butter and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute regular pasta with your favourite gluten-free variety.
How To Store
Store leftover onion pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. 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.
Jess’s Tips
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 or Fusili Bucati Corti like I use in my Kale Pasta Caesar Salad.
This dish is definitely best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated if needed.
I don’t recommend freezing this pasta as it will become mushy.
Try These Pasta Recipes Next!
Pasta & Noodles
Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe
Pasta & Noodles
Creamy Ricotta Pea Pasta
Vegetarian
Veggie Pesto Pasta
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!
One Pot French Onion Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main
- Method: Cook
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- 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
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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.
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Deglaze: Pour in the white wine (or extra broth) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
-
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.
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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.
- Stir the onions regularily
- Cooking time and broth needed can vary depending on the type of pasta you use.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
Delicious! I’ve made this a few times and use red wine and a little extra garlic . So yummy!!!
So glad to hear you enjoyed the recipe 🙂