Transform the beloved flavors of French onion soup into a comforting, creamy pasta dish that’s ready in just one pot. This One Pot French Onion Pasta combines caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and melted Gruyere cheese for a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly simple to make at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This One Pot French Onion Pasta brings together all the cozy, soul-warming flavors of classic French onion soup in a satisfying pasta format. The deeply caramelized onions create a sweet and savory base, while the combination of beef broth and evaporated milk delivers a rich, velvety sauce that coats every piece of pasta. The melted Gruyere cheese adds that signature French onion soup flavor, making each bite incredibly indulgent. Best of all, everything cooks in one pot, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor development as the ingredients meld together beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
FOR THE ONIONS
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 large yellow onions, sliced into rings 1/8-inch thick (Mandoline recommended)
- 1/8 tsp EACH salt and pepper
FOR THE SAUCE
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- pinch-1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce
- 5 1/2 cups water (may substitute beef broth and omit bouillon)
- 1 12 oz. can evaporated milk
- 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons beef bouillon (granulated, base or cubes) (may omit and use beef broth instead of water)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced (or 1 tsp dried)
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, minced (or ¾ tsp dried)
- 1/2 tsp EACH dried oregano, paprika, pepper
ADD LAST
- 1 pound short cut pasta, uncooked (orecchiette recommended)
- 5 oz. freshly shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly shredded Parmesan Cheese
- fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make One Pot French Onion Pasta
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions Heat olive oil and butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for 25-30 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown. This step is crucial for developing the signature French onion flavor.
Step 2: Add Aromatics Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the caramelized onions. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3: Build the Sauce Base Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce, cooking for 30 seconds to let the flavors meld. Add the water (or beef broth), beef bouillon, parsley, thyme, oregano, paprika, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 4: Prepare the Thickener In a small bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk and cornstarch until smooth and no lumps remain. This slurry will help thicken the sauce.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta Add the uncooked pasta to the boiling liquid. Stir well to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick together. Cook according to package directions, typically 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Finish with Cream and Cheese When the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, reduce heat to low. Stir in the evaporated milk mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and immediately stir in the Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses until melted and creamy.
Step 7: Serve Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately while hot.
Helpful Tips
Onion Slicing: Use a mandoline slicer if available for perfectly uniform 1/8-inch thick onion rings. Consistent thickness ensures even caramelization and prevents some pieces from burning while others remain undercooked.
Patience with Caramelization: Don’t rush the onion caramelization process. The deep, sweet flavor develops slowly over 25-30 minutes. If the onions start to burn, reduce the heat and add a splash of water to deglaze the pan.
Pasta Selection: Short, sturdy pasta shapes like orecchiette, penne, or shells work best as they hold onto the creamy sauce better than long pasta varieties.
Cheese Quality: Use freshly shredded Gruyere and Parmesan for the best melting quality and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce’s smoothness.
Liquid Management: Keep an eye on the liquid levels while cooking. If the pasta seems too dry, add a bit more water or broth. If it’s too soupy, continue cooking uncovered to reduce the liquid.
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 1 hour Servings: 6-8 Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
This One Pot French Onion Pasta recipe scales beautifully for larger gatherings. The key to success lies in properly caramelizing the onions and using quality cheese. The combination of beef bouillon and evaporated milk creates a rich, restaurant-style sauce without the need for heavy cream.
Notes
Substitutions: You can substitute the Gruyere with Swiss cheese if needed, though the flavor will be slightly milder. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and omit the beef bouillon.
Make-Ahead: The caramelized onions can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This actually makes the final dish come together much faster on busy weeknights.
Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with additional olive oil, use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk, and replace the cheese with nutritional yeast for a similar umami flavor.
Wine Pairing: This rich, cheesy pasta pairs beautifully with a medium-bodied red wine like Côtes du Rhône or a crisp white wine like Chardonnay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta? A: Yes, any short pasta shape will work well. Penne, rigatoni, shells, or rotini are all excellent choices. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti or linguine as they don’t hold the sauce as well.
Q: How do I know when the onions are properly caramelized? A: Properly caramelized onions should be deep golden brown and very soft. They should have a sweet, rich aroma and jammy texture. This typically takes 25-30 minutes of cooking time.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: While this One Pot French Onion Pasta is best served fresh, you can prepare the caramelized onions in advance. The complete dish can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, though you may need to add a splash of broth when reheating to restore the creamy consistency.
Q: What can I substitute for Gruyere cheese? A: Swiss cheese is the closest substitute, offering a similar nutty flavor profile. Fontina or even sharp cheddar can work in a pinch, though the flavor will be different from traditional French onion soup.
Q: Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian? A: Absolutely! Replace the beef broth and bouillon with vegetable broth, and use vegetable-based Worcestershire sauce. The dish will still be delicious, just with a different flavor profile.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover One Pot French Onion Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb more liquid as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of broth or milk when reheating.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently and adding liquid as needed to restore the creamy consistency. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months, though the texture of the pasta may change slightly upon thawing. Freeze in portion-sized containers for easy reheating. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating from Frozen: If reheating from frozen, thaw completely first, then reheat gently on the stovetop with additional liquid as needed.
Conclusion
This One Pot French Onion Pasta successfully captures all the beloved flavors of French onion soup while offering the comfort and satisfaction of a hearty pasta dish. The deeply caramelized onions provide a sweet and savory foundation, while the rich, cheesy sauce creates a truly indulgent experience. The one-pot cooking method not only simplifies cleanup but also allows the flavors to develop and meld together beautifully.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for entertaining, this One Pot French Onion Pasta delivers on both fronts. The recipe is forgiving enough for novice cooks while offering enough complexity to satisfy experienced home chefs. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
The beauty of this One Pot French Onion Pasta lies in its ability to transform simple, everyday ingredients into something truly special. Each bite delivers the classic French onion soup experience with the added comfort of perfectly cooked pasta and melted cheese. It’s comfort food at its finest – warming, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.