This One Pot French Onion Pasta is a fun and comforting dish. It combines juicy onions, creamy cheese, and tasty pasta, all cooked together in one pot for easy cleanup!
You can’t go wrong with this meal! The cheesy goodness makes it feel like a warm hug on a plate. I love serving it with some crunchy bread for dipping—so good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Onions: Yellow onions are perfect for caramelizing because they bring out sweet flavors when slowly cooked. If you’re short on yellow onions, you can substitute with sweet onions like Vidalia or even red onions for a bolder taste.
Butter or Olive Oil: I love using butter for that rich flavor, but olive oil keeps it lighter. You can also swap in vegan butter if you’re looking for a plant-based option.
Beef Broth: This adds lots of depth to the dish. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, vegetable broth works just as well. You could also use chicken broth for a different flavor profile.
Pasta: Shells are great for holding onto the sauce, but feel free to use any short pasta, like fusilli or penne. You can even use gluten-free pasta or whole-grain pasta if that fits your needs better.
Gruyère Cheese: This adds creaminess and flavor. If you can’t find Gruyère, Swiss cheese is a good substitute. For a dairy-free option, try a nut-based cheese or omit the cheese altogether and boost flavor with nutritional yeast.
How Do I Caramelize Onions Perfectly?
Caramelizing onions is key to this dish’s flavor, but it can be tricky! Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a heavy-bottomed skillet or pot to ensure even cooking.
- Heat your oil or butter over medium heat, then add the sliced onions.
- Sprinkle a bit of sugar to help with the caramelization process. This step makes a big difference!
- Cook slowly for about 25-30 minutes, stirring often to avoid burning. Patience is important here for that deep, sweet flavor.
- When they turn a beautiful golden brown, add in the thyme and garlic just before they’re done.
By following these steps, you’ll achieve that amazing richness that makes this pasta dish unforgettable!
How to Make One Pot French Onion Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to help caramelize onions)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Cooking the Pasta:
- 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 8 ounces pasta shells or any short pasta
For the Delicious Finish:
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 40-45 minutes total. You will spend about 30 minutes caramelizing the onions and another 10-15 minutes cooking the pasta and melting the cheese. It’s a quick and easy meal with minimal cleanup since everything cooks in one pot!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelizing the Onions:
In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions, then sprinkle with sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir occasionally and cook slowly for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are beautifully caramelized and golden brown. This patience is key to developing deep, wonderful flavors! Add the dried or fresh thyme during the last few minutes of cooking for extra flavor.
2. Adding Garlic:
Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. This adds a lovely aroma and flavor to the dish!
3. Mixing in the Broth:
If using, sprinkle flour over the onions and stir well to combine, cooking for another 1-2 minutes. This will help thicken the sauce later. Next, pour in the beef broth and stir to mix everything together, making sure to scrape up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer.
4. Cooking the Pasta:
Add the pasta shells to the pot, ensuring they are submerged in the broth. Cover the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the broth is absorbed, about 10-12 minutes.
5. Melting the Cheese:
Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese evenly over the pasta and onions. Cover the pot again and let the cheese melt for about 3-5 minutes until it’s gooey and delicious!
6. Garnishing and Serving:
Finally, garnish your One Pot French Onion Pasta with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm, ideally with some crusty bread on the side for scooping up all that wonderful cheesy goodness!
This delightful one pot meal captures all the rich flavors of French onion soup, combined with comforting pasta and melted cheese. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While pasta shells work well for catching the sauce, feel free to use any short pasta like fusilli, penne, or even bow tie pasta. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose!
What If I Don’t Have Gruyère Cheese?
No worries! Swiss cheese is a great substitute if you can’t find Gruyère. You could also use a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for a different flavor. For a dairy-free option, try a plant-based cheese or simply skip it!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to help loosen the pasta, and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version of this dish. The flavor will still be rich and comforting!
