Print

One-Pot Creamy French Onion Pasta

A close-up shot of creamy french onion pasta made with penne, topped with caramelized onions and fresh parsley.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make this rich and comforting French Onion Pasta in just one pot. You get the deep, savory flavor of caramelized onions and melted Gruyère cheese in a creamy sauce, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 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 grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized and sweet.
  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. Add the uncooked pasta to the pot.
  4. Cook according to the pasta package directions, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 10 to 12 minutes.
  5. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
  6. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the Gruyère cheese and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For the deepest onion flavor, do not rush the caramelization process; low and slow heat is key.
  • If you do not have beef broth, you can substitute it with vegetable broth, though the flavor will be less traditional.
  • You can substitute Gruyère cheese with Swiss cheese if needed, but Gruyère melts better and offers a superior nutty flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://frostedfancies.com/french-onion-pasta/