Name: One Pot French Onion Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves; 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional); 5 cups low-sodium beef broth; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 12 ounces uncooked rigatoni or other short pasta; 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese; 1/4 cup heavy cream; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Jump to Recipe

If you love the cozy, soul-warming flavors of classic French onion soup but crave the ease of a one-pot pasta dish, this One Pot French Onion Pasta is about to become your new weeknight obsession. With deeply caramelized onions, rich Gruyère cheese, and a silky splash of cream, every bite delivers hearty, savory comfort you can whip up anytime. And the best part? Minimal cleanup! This recipe transforms familiar ingredients into a luscious, gourmet-level pasta meal, perfect for family dinners or impressing friends with something truly special.

One Pot French Onion Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this dish is its simplicity—just a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients come together to create incredible layers of flavor. Each component plays a starring role in building the unique taste, texture, and irresistible aroma of One Pot French Onion Pasta.

Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps the onions caramelize slowly for maximum sweetness.
Olive oil: Prevents the butter from burning and gives a silky base to the onions as they cook.
Large yellow onions: The heart of the dish—cook these low and slow to unlock their sweet, umami flavor.
Garlic: Boosts the savory notes and deepens the overall flavor base.
Fresh thyme leaves: Lends aromatic, earthy undertones that echo classic French onion soup.
Dry white wine (optional): Adds a bright, tangy lift and helps deglaze the pot for extra depth.
Low-sodium beef broth: Gives the pasta an authentic, brothy flavor; choose a good-quality brand.
Worcestershire sauce: Brings a subtle, savory tang and umami complexity you’ll notice in every forkful.
Uncooked rigatoni or other short pasta: These sturdy shapes soak up the onion broth and hold their texture.
Shredded Gruyère cheese: Melts beautifully into the pasta and gives that signature French onion cheesiness.
Heavy cream: Adds silkiness and rounds out the sauce to luscious perfection.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors into balance.
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish: A pop of green freshness to make your dish sing when serving.

How to Make One Pot French Onion Pasta

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Start by melting the unsalted butter and olive oil together in a large pot over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and cook, stirring often. The secret here is patience—the onions need about 20 to 25 minutes to become deeply golden and caramelized. Keep stirring and savor the incredible aroma as their natural sugars develop for that signature One Pot French Onion Pasta sweetness.

Step 2: Deglaze the Pot

Once the onions reach that perfect deep golden color, pour in a splash of beef broth (or white wine, if you’re using it) to deglaze the pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned, flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. These are pure flavor gold and will infuse your pasta with the classic richness of French onion soup.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Pasta

Stir in the remaining beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, bringing everything to a gentle boil. Toss in your uncooked pasta of choice—rigatoni works perfectly, but penne or rotini are great too. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks and the pasta soaks up all that incredible oniony broth.

Step 4: Incorporate the Cheese

Now comes the magic touch that sets this One Pot French Onion Pasta apart: sprinkle in the shredded Gruyère cheese and pour in the heavy cream. Stir until the cheese is melted into a gooey, creamy sauce that coats every piece of pasta. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting as you go to bring out the best in every ingredient.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat, then finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley (or more thyme if you love the herbal note). Serve hot and get ready for smiles all around. That lush, cheesy sauce and rich onion flavor are guaranteed to make this One Pot French Onion Pasta an instant favorite.

How to Serve One Pot French Onion Pasta

Garnishes

Top each bowl of pasta with a handful of chopped fresh parsley for color, or add an extra grating of Gruyère for cheesy drama. A few thyme sprigs look lovely and add that signature French onion aroma. If you’re serving guests, finish each bowl with cracked black pepper for a little bite and an elegant look.

Side Dishes

This dish is rich and hearty enough for a main course all on its own, but a simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette balances the flavors perfectly. Try serving with garlicky toasted baguette slices or a crisp Caesar salad. If you’re really channeling bistro vibes, add roasted vegetables or simple steamed greens on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, portion your One Pot French Onion Pasta into individual oven-safe bowls and broil a little extra shredded Gruyère on top for an authentic French onion soup crust. Serve in a large cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven at the table for rustic charm, or use mini cocottes for a personal touch and unbeatable presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your cooled One Pot French Onion Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days and the flavors deepen as they mingle, making for excellent next-day lunches.

Freezing

While this pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze tightly sealed individual portions for up to one month. For best results, reheat gently and consider adding an extra splash of broth or cream to help restore the creamy sauce texture.

Reheating

Warm leftovers on the stove over low heat, stirring in a bit of broth or cream if they seem dry. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each to ensure even heating. Don’t forget a fresh sprinkle of cheese and parsley for revived flavor and appeal.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While Gruyère delivers an amazing melt and nutty flavor, Swiss or even mozzarella make great substitutes. If you like a bolder profile, try smoked provolone or fontina.

Is there a vegetarian version of One Pot French Onion Pasta?

Yes—just swap the beef broth for a high-quality vegetable broth and skip the Worcestershire sauce (or use a vegetarian version). You’ll still get all those rich, savory notes with a meat-free twist!

What’s the best pasta shape for this dish?

Short-cut pasta like rigatoni, penne, or fusilli holds the sauce incredibly well, making each bite satisfying and flavorful. Avoid long noodles, as they tend to stick together in a one-pot method.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Definitely. You can caramelize the onions a day or two in advance and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just follow the recipe starting with Step 2 and you’ll have a speedy shortcut to One Pot French Onion Pasta.

What can I use instead of white wine?

If you prefer to skip the wine, simply use a little extra beef broth for deglazing. The wine enhances depth, but you’ll still get rich, savory results without it.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dinner that’s simple, comforting, and absolutely packed with flavor, you can’t go wrong with this One Pot French Onion Pasta. Give it a try and see how effortlessly it brings a taste of French bistro magic to your own kitchen—I promise, it’ll quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation!

One Pot French Onion Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 24 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This One Pot French Onion Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup with creamy pasta. Caramelized onions, Gruyère cheese, and fresh herbs come together to create a satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in.

Instructions

Caramelize the Onions – In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until deeply caramelized (about 20–25 minutes).
Deglaze the Pot – Pour in a splash of broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom.
Add the Broth and Pasta – Stir in the remaining broth and bring to a boil. Add pasta, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed (about 10–12 minutes).
Incorporate the Cheese – Stir in shredded Gruyère until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Garnish and Serve – Serve hot, topped with fresh parsley or thyme for a burst of color and freshness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: French