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One Pot French Onion Pasta 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.

Ingredients

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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