This One Pot French Onion Pasta is a cozy, cheesy delight! Packed with the rich flavors of caramelized onions and gooey cheese, it’s all made in one pot for easy cooking and clean-up.
I love how quick and simple it is to whip up. Just toss everything in, let it simmer, and enjoy! Perfect for those nights when you want comfort food without a big mess! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Onions: These are perfect for caramelizing due to their sweetness. If you’re out, you can substitute with sweet Vidalia onions, or even red onions for a slightly different flavor.
Butter and Olive Oil: I love the combination, as it gives both richness and flavor. If you want to keep it dairy-free, try using vegan butter or just stick to olive oil!
White Wine: For those who prefer not to use alcohol, you can skip this ingredient or replace it with an equal amount of extra broth or a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
Beef Broth: To keep this dish vegetarian, vegetable broth works just as well. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, ensure your broth is certified gluten-free.
Pasta: Rotini or fusilli are great at holding the sauce, but any pasta shape like penne or farfalle can work just fine! Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Gruyère Cheese: This is the star of the dish, but if you can’t find it, Swiss or even a sharp cheddar will do the trick. Just remember that the taste will shift slightly!
How Do I Caramelize the Onions Perfectly?
Caramelizing onions can be tricky, but patience is key! Follow these easy steps for sweet, golden-brown onions:
- Use a wide pot to increase surface area for even cooking.
- Heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until hot, but not smoking.
- Stir in the onions and 1/2 teaspoon of salt, which helps to draw out moisture.
- Add sugar to enhance sweetness if desired.
- Cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent burning. If they start to darken too fast, lower the heat!
- Look for that deep golden color and sweet aroma—this means they’re done!
Once caramelized, they become the base of your pasta sauce, providing that rich, oniony depth!
One Pot French Onion Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings & Liquids:
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for caramelizing)
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
Pasta and Cheese:
- 12 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1/2 cup grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese (plus extra for serving)
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes of cooking time. That makes a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a tasty weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onions:
In a large deep skillet or wide pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until melted and hot. Add the thinly sliced onions along with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and sugar (if using). Cook while stirring frequently until the onions are beautifully caramelized and a deep golden brown, about 25-30 minutes. Remember, patience is key here!
2. Add Garlic:
Once your onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. This will add a lovely aroma to your dish!
3. Deglaze the Pan:
Pour in the white wine (if you’re using it) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any tasty browned bits from the bottom. Let it bubble and reduce for about 2-3 minutes—this adds great flavor!
4. Combine Broth and Pasta:
Now pour in the beef broth and toss in the pasta, fresh thyme, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything.
5. Cook the Pasta:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer uncovered while stirring frequently until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, around 12-15 minutes. If it looks too thick and the pasta isn’t quite done, add a splash of water or broth.
6. Finish with Cheese:
Once your pasta is perfectly cooked, remove it from the heat and stir in the grated Gruyère cheese until it’s melted and creamy. It should be rich and oozy!
7. Season & Serve:
Taste and season with extra salt and pepper if needed. Serve your One Pot French Onion Pasta right away, topped with more grated cheese and fresh thyme sprigs if desired.
Enjoy your warm, comforting dish that brings the classic flavors of French onion soup right to your pasta bowl!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just substitute the regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just watch the cooking time, as it might vary depending on the brand and shape you choose!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce, and warm it up gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap out the beef broth for vegetable broth and omit the white wine, or replace it with an equal amount of broth for a delicious vegetarian option!
What Other Cheeses Can I Use?
If Gruyère is not available, Swiss cheese or a sharp cheddar can be great alternatives! Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be delicious!
