One Pot French Onion Pasta (Printable Version)

Caramelized onions, Gruyère, and pasta blend in one pot for a rich, satisfying French-inspired main.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
02 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Dairy

03 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 - 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
05 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
06 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Pantry

07 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
08 - 8 ounces dry pasta (fusilli, penne, or rigatoni)
09 - 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
10 - 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
11 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1 bay leaf
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

14 - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
15 - Extra Gruyère or Parmesan cheese (optional)

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Warm olive oil and unsalted butter in a large pot or deep sauté pan over medium heat until melted.
02 - Add sliced yellow onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until onions achieve a deep golden brown coloration, approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Reduce heat as needed to prevent burning.
03 - Incorporate minced garlic and allow to cook for 1 minute until aromatics are released.
04 - Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the caramelized onions, stirring to coat. Continue cooking for 1 minute to eliminate raw flour taste.
05 - Pour vegetable broth slowly while scraping the pan to deglaze, ensuring all fond is lifted. Add dried thyme and bay leaf for seasoning.
06 - Bring contents to a simmer. Add dry pasta, stirring well to submerge and distribute. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed, roughly 10–12 minutes.
07 - Remove the bay leaf. Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream, shredded Gruyère, and grated Parmesan until fully melted and a creamy texture is achieved.
08 - Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste.
09 - Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and additional Gruyère or Parmesan cheese as desired.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Uses staple ingredients easily found in most kitchens
  • Ready in under an hour and all happens in a single pot for minimal cleanup
  • Satisfies cravings for French onion soup with the heartiness of pasta
  • Cozy yet elevated enough for guests or a special occasion
02 -
  • Vegetarian friendly and can easily be made vegan with the right swaps
  • Crowd pleaser whether served for a family meal or dinner guests
  • Good source of protein calcium and fiber thanks to onions cheese and pasta
03 -
  • Take your time with caramelizing onions as this step makes or breaks the depth of the dish
  • Always shred cheese yourself for best melting results and purer flavor
  • If reheating, add a bit of extra cream or hot broth to recreate the luxurious sauce texture

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