If you love the deep, rich flavors of French onion soup but wish it could be turned into a creamy, comforting pasta dish—this recipe is for you! Picture this: caramelized onions cooked low and slow until they’re golden and sweet, infused with garlic, thyme, and a splash of white wine. Then, everything simmers together in one pot, creating a luscious, cheesy sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. It’s the ultimate cozy meal with minimal cleanup!
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Trust me, once you try this one-pot wonder, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pot Magic: Fewer dishes mean less time cleaning and more time enjoying.
Rich and Comforting: The caramelized onions create a deep, savory flavor that’s downright irresistible.
Easy Yet Elegant: Feels fancy but is simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples to create a restaurant-worthy dish.
Customizable: Add protein, switch up the cheese, or tweak the flavors to your liking.
Ingredients
Yellow Onions: The heart of this dish—slow-cooked until they’re sweet and golden.
Butter & Olive Oil: A perfect combo for rich caramelization.
Garlic: Adds an aromatic depth that enhances the onions.
Thyme: Brings in a subtle earthy note that complements the onions beautifully.
White Wine: Deglazes the pot and adds a touch of acidity to balance the richness.
Beef or Vegetable Broth: Infuses the pasta with even more French onion soup flavor.
Pasta: Choose a long, twirlable noodle like fettuccine or linguine.
Gruyère Cheese: The classic choice for that melty, cheesy goodness.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish to the dish.
Heavy Cream (Optional): For an extra luscious sauce.
Salt & Black Pepper: To enhance all the flavors.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Caramelize the Onions: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes until deeply golden.
Add Garlic & Herbs: Stir in garlic and thyme and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Deglaze with Wine: Pour in white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until reduced.
Cook the Pasta: Add broth and pasta to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
Stir in Cheese: Remove from heat and mix in Gruyère and Parmesan until melted and creamy. Add a splash of heavy cream if you want extra richness.
Season & Serve: Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish with more Parmesan and fresh thyme before serving.
How to Serve One-Pot French Onion Pasta
With Crusty Bread: A slice of toasted baguette is perfect for scooping up all that cheesy goodness.
As a Side: Pair with a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.
Extra Toppings: Add crispy fried onions on top for a fun textural contrast.
With Protein: Serve alongside grilled chicken or steak for a hearty dinner.
Additional Tips
Go Slow on the Onions: The key to deep flavor is low and slow caramelization—don’t rush it!
Wine Swap: No wine? Use a little extra broth with a splash of apple cider vinegar.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to keep it creamy.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different cheese?
A1: Yes! Swiss, mozzarella, or even cheddar work well.
Q2: Can I make this vegetarian?
A2: Absolutely—just use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Q3: What pasta shape works best?
A3: Long noodles like fettuccine or linguine are ideal, but short pasta like penne works too.
Q4: Can I make this ahead of time?
A4: Yes! Reheat gently with a splash of broth to restore the creamy texture.
Q5: Can I use pre-caramelized onions?
A5: If you have some prepped, you can skip to the pasta step and save time!
Q6: How do I get extra depth of flavor?
A6: A dash of Worcestershire sauce can boost the umami.
Q7: Can I add protein?
A7: Yes! Try sliced chicken, steak, or mushrooms for a heartier dish.
Q8: Can I freeze this dish?
A8: It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it without the cheese and add it when reheating.
Q9: Can I make it dairy-free?
A9: Swap the butter for more olive oil and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Q10: What’s the best way to reheat?
A10: Warm it gently on the stove with a splash of broth or milk to revive the sauce.
Final Thoughts
One-pot French onion pasta is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl—rich, cheesy, and packed with caramelized onion goodness. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, it’s sure to be a hit. Give it a try and let me know how you like it!
Print
One-Pot French Onion Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Pastas
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: FRENCH
Description
This One Pot French Onion Pasta combines rich caramelized onions, earthy cremini mushrooms, and orecchiette in a creamy, flavorful sauce. A cozy, restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for an easy dinner!
Ingredients
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1/4 cup olive oil
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3 yellow onions, thinly sliced
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
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1 tbsp fresh thyme
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1/2 cup dry white wine
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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2 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)
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2 cups water
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12 oz dried orecchiette (or other short pasta)
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1 tbsp sherry vinegar
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Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Fresh herbs & toasted breadcrumbs, for serving (optional)
Instructions
. Caramelize the Onions:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add onions with a generous pinch of salt.
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Cook, stirring often, until deeply caramelized (25-30 minutes).
2. Sauté the Mushrooms & Aromatics:
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Add garlic, mushrooms, and thyme.
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Cook for 3-4 minutes, until mushrooms begin to soften.
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Pour in white wine to deglaze, then stir in flour.
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Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened.
3. Simmer & Cook the Pasta:
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Pour in broth and water. Season with salt and black pepper.
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Bring to a boil, then add pasta and cook 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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(Adjust cook time based on pasta shape.)
4. Finish & Serve:
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Turn off the heat and stir in sherry vinegar.
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Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs and toasted breadcrumbs, if desired.
Notes
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Rich Flavor Boost: Add ½ cup grated Gruyère for a true French onion soup vibe.
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Vegetarian Swap: Use vegetable broth and skip the cheese.
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Pasta Choice: Orecchiette works best, but rigatoni or shells are great alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg