One Pot French Onion Pasta Recipe
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
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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