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One-Pot Creamy French Onion Pasta

A close-up of creamy french onion pasta served in a white bowl, garnished with crispy caramelized onions and fresh parsley.

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Transform the classic soup into an easy, comforting pasta dish. This one-pot recipe features deeply caramelized onions, a savory sauce, and melted Gruyère cheese, perfect for a weeknight feast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 pound pasta (such as penne or rotini)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized and sweet. Do not rush this step; this builds the soup flavor.
  2. Add the minced garlic and dried thyme to the pot. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  4. Add the uncooked pasta to the simmering broth. Stir well to prevent sticking.
  5. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir every few minutes.
  6. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream, remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper.
  7. Sprinkle the Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses over the top of the pasta. Cover the pot for 3 to 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt completely.
  8. Stir gently until the cheese is incorporated into a creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley. This is a great comfort food pasta for any night.

Notes

  • For an even deeper flavor, use high-quality beef broth. This is key for that French onion soup inspiration.
  • If you do not have Gruyère, Swiss cheese or a mix of Provolone and Parmesan works well.
  • This recipe is designed as a one-pot pasta meal, minimizing cleanup for your weeknight dinner.

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