Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons why One Pot French Onion Pasta is bound to become a favorite:
- Comforting and Hearty – The caramelized onions and rich broth give this dish a depth of flavor that feels both comforting and indulgent.
- Minimal Cleanup – Since this dish is made in just one pot, it’s easy to make and even easier to clean up.
- Quick and Simple – In only 35 minutes, you can create a flavorful, satisfying meal with minimal effort.
- Cheesy Goodness – Gruyère and Parmesan cheese melt beautifully into the pasta, creating a creamy, savory sauce that elevates the dish.
- Versatile – You can easily adjust the recipe by adding other ingredients like cooked chicken, mushrooms, or fresh herbs to personalize it to your taste.
- Great for Leftovers – This dish reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying the next day.
This One Pot French Onion Pasta is the ultimate combination of convenience, flavor, and comfort.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta of choice (e.g., penne or rotini)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large pot over medium heat, add the olive oil and let it warm up.
- Cook Onions: Add the thinly sliced onions to the pot. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and golden brown.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour in the vegetable broth, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add Pasta: Once boiling, add the pasta. Stir well, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
- Incorporate Cheeses: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Gruyère and Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
- Garnish: Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
This simple yet delicious recipe comes together quickly and will have your taste buds savoring every bite!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
With just 35 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a comforting meal.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the pasta in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
Yes, chicken broth can be used in place of vegetable broth for a slightly richer flavor.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Gruyère with Swiss cheese, mozzarella, or even cheddar. However, Gruyère gives it a distinct, nutty flavor that’s characteristic of French onion soup.
3. Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, you can add cooked chicken, sausage to the dish to make it more filling. Simply add it along with the pasta.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free. Just be sure to follow the cooking time instructions on the gluten-free pasta package.
5. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free cheese substitute and skip the Parmesan and Gruyère, or try a non-dairy cheese that melts well.
6. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the pasta just before serving to ensure it doesn’t become too soft when reheated.
7. How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?
Stir the pasta occasionally as it cooks, and make sure the pot has enough liquid. If necessary, add a bit more broth or water to keep the pasta from sticking.
8. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried thyme?
Yes, you can use fresh thyme. Use about 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme in place of the dried thyme.
9. How do I know when the pasta is done?
The pasta should be al dente, which means it should be tender but still firm to the bite. Check the texture and cook a little longer if necessary.
10. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add mushrooms, spinach, or other vegetables to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.
Conclusion
One Pot French Onion Pasta is a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. The caramelized onions, savory broth, and melty cheeses come together to create a creamy, satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Best of all, it’s made in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

One Pot French Onion Pasta: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
One Pot French Onion Pasta is a rich and comforting dish that combines the deep, savory flavors of caramelized onions with the cheesy goodness of Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses. This recipe brings the essence of French onion soup into a pasta dish, offering a one-pot meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Ingredients
12 oz (340 g) pasta of choice (e.g., penne or rotini)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large pot over medium heat, add the olive oil and let it warm up.
- Cook Onions: Add the thinly sliced onions to the pot. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and golden brown.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour in the vegetable broth, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add Pasta: Once boiling, add the pasta. Stir well, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
- Incorporate Cheeses: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Gruyère and Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
- Garnish: Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Chicken broth can be used in place of vegetable broth for a richer flavor.
If you don’t have Gruyère, Swiss cheese or mozzarella can be used as alternatives, though Gruyère has a distinct nutty flavor.
This dish can be customized with additional protein such as cooked chicken or sausage.
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and follow the package’s cooking instructions.
For a dairy-free version, substitute with dairy-free cheese and skip the Parmesan and Gruyère.
If preparing ahead, cook the pasta just before serving to avoid it becoming too soft when reheated.
Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 30mg