One Pot French Onion Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This one pot French onion pasta is the ultimate in convenience and taste. It captures the soul of French onion soup—sweet, deeply browned onions, aromatic thyme, and a savory broth—combined with pasta and a touch of cream for a luxurious finish. Since everything cooks in one pot, the pasta absorbs all the rich flavors, making each bite irresistibly delicious. Plus, fewer dishes mean less work afterward.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Yellow onions (thinly sliced)
• Garlic (minced)
• Olive oil or butter
• Thyme (fresh or dried)
• Bay leaf (optional)
• Pasta (such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
• Vegetable broth or beef-style vegan broth
• Balsamic vinegar
• Heavy cream or plant-based cream
• Gruyère or Swiss-style vegan cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring often, for 20–25 minutes until deeply caramelized and golden brown.
2. Add garlic and thyme. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Deglaze the pot with balsamic vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
4. Add the uncooked pasta, vegetable broth, and bay leaf (if using). Stir well and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until pasta is tender, about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Once the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in cream and cheese if using. Let simmer for another 2–3 minutes until creamy and heated through.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove bay leaf before serving.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley or more cheese, if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Vegan Version: Use vegan butter or oil, dairy-free cream, and vegan Gruyère-style cheese.
• Protein Boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based sausage to make it heartier.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• White Wine Twist: Deglaze the onions with a splash of white wine instead of balsamic for a more delicate flavor.
• Extra Creamy: Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or cashew cream at the end for added richness.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but reheats well with minimal effort.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead and reheat when ready to serve. It’s best enjoyed within a couple of days for the freshest flavor.

What kind of onions work best?

Yellow onions are ideal for caramelizing thanks to their natural sweetness, but white or sweet onions also work.

Can I skip the cheese?

Absolutely. The pasta is flavorful on its own, but cheese adds an extra layer of richness.

How long does it take to caramelize the onions?

It takes about 20–25 minutes over medium-low heat. Be patient—this step builds the flavor foundation.

What pasta shapes work best?

Short pasta like penne, rotini, or farfalle works well, but you can also use long noodles like linguine or fettuccine.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be lighter. For a creamy texture, full-fat cream or a thick plant-based alternative is recommended.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

It’s not ideal for freezing, as the texture of the pasta and creamy sauce may change when thawed.

What herbs pair well with French onion flavors?

Thyme is the classic choice, but rosemary or a touch of sage also complements the dish beautifully.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes. Sauté the onions first using the sauté function, then add remaining ingredients and pressure cook for 4–5 minutes.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the pot?

Stir occasionally during cooking and ensure there’s enough liquid to cover the pasta until it’s cooked.

Conclusion

One pot French onion pasta brings together all the rich, comforting flavors of French onion soup in a creamy, pasta-forward dish that’s as easy as it is delicious. With caramelized onions, savory broth, and perfectly tender pasta, this meal is bound to become a cold-weather favorite. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this one pot wonder delivers deep flavor and minimal cleanup.

One Pot French Onion Pasta

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One pot French onion pasta is a rich, comforting dish inspired by classic French onion soup, featuring caramelized onions, garlic, thyme, and pasta cooked together in a savory, creamy broth—all in one pot for easy cleanup.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: French-Inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
• 1 bay leaf (optional)
• 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
• 3 cups vegetable broth or beef-style vegan broth
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or plant-based cream
• 1/2 cup grated Gruyère or Swiss-style vegan cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring often, until deeply caramelized and golden brown.
2. Add minced garlic and thyme. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Deglaze the pot with balsamic vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
4. Add uncooked pasta, vegetable broth, and bay leaf (if using). Stir and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
6. Stir in cream and cheese (if using). Simmer for 2–3 more minutes until creamy and heated through.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove bay leaf before serving.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley or additional cheese if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

• For a vegan version, use plant-based butter, cream, and vegan cheese.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage for extra protein.
• Deglaze with white wine instead of balsamic for a lighter flavor.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
• Reheat leftovers with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 35mg