Description
This One Pot French Onion Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of caramelized onions, savory beef broth, and melted Gruyère cheese in a simple stovetop recipe. Perfect for a hearty weeknight meal, this French-inspired pasta offers a luscious, cheesy experience with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
Flavorings
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Pasta and Liquids
- 12 ounces uncooked pasta (fettuccine or linguine)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Cheeses and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring often, until the onions turn deeply golden and caramelized, creating a rich, sweet base for the pasta.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook the mixture for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to develop the aromatic flavors.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet and pour in the beef broth. Increase the heat to bring it to a boil, then reduce to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the pasta to cook fully while absorbing the flavorful broth.
- Melt in Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, shredded Gruyère, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheeses are melted, and the sauce becomes creamy and luscious. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve the French onion pasta warm for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth and use vegetarian Parmesan or skip it altogether.
- For extra richness and a golden top, sprinkle additional Gruyère cheese on the pasta and broil for 2–3 minutes before serving.
- Make sure to stir frequently while caramelizing onions to prevent burning and promote even browning.
- Use fresh thyme for brighter flavor or dried thyme if fresh is unavailable; the amount can be adjusted to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot, Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-Inspired, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
