One Pot French Onion Pasta Recipe

Introduction

One Pot French Onion Pasta is a comforting twist on the classic French onion soup, combining sweet caramelized onions and creamy cheese with tender pasta. This easy, flavorful dish comes together in a single pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 8 oz bowtie pasta
• 2 medium sweet yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
2. Step 2: Stir in minced garlic and thyme, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add the bowtie pasta and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the pasta is al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
4. Step 4: Gradually stir in the heavy cream and simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes until the sauce is creamy and slightly thickened.
5. Step 5: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Gruyère cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Step 6: Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, use beef broth instead of vegetable broth.
• Add a splash of white wine when sautéing the onions for depth.
• Swap Gruyère for Swiss or mozzarella cheese if preferred.
• Include sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any small to medium pasta shape like penne, rotini, or shells works well in this recipe.

Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely. Using vegetable broth keeps the dish vegetarian-friendly. Just be sure to check that your broth and cheese are vegetarian.

One Pot French Onion Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 120 reviews

A comforting and creamy one pot French onion pasta combining caramelized sweet onions, aromatic garlic and thyme, tender bowtie pasta, rich Gruyère cheese, and a luscious creamy broth. This easy stovetop recipe delivers the classic flavors of French onion soup in a delightful pasta dish perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.

• Author: Logan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: French-inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 8 oz bowtie pasta
• 2 medium sweet yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté, stirring occasionally, until they become golden brown and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. This step builds the signature sweet, rich flavor base.
2. Add Garlic and Thyme: Stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, releasing their aromatic oils into the pot.
3. Cook Pasta: Add the bowtie pasta and pour in the low-sodium vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the pasta is al dente, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Add Cream: Gradually stir in the heavy cream and continue to simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes until the sauce becomes creamy and coats the pasta well.
5. Incorporate Cheese and Season: Stir in the grated Gruyère cheese until fully melted and combined. Season the dish with salt and pepper to your taste.
6. Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with additional grated cheese or fresh herbs if desired for extra flavor and presentation.

Notes

• For a richer taste, use homemade or high-quality vegetable broth.
• Gruyère cheese melts beautifully but can be substituted with Swiss or mozzarella if unavailable.
• Keep stirring while cooking the pasta to prevent it sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• Adjust thyme quantity based on freshness and personal preference.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream and cheese with plant-based alternatives.

Keywords: French onion pasta, one pot pasta, creamy pasta, caramelized onions, Gruyère pasta, comfort food, vegetarian pasta