This simple, One-Pot French Onion Pasta is the ultimate comfort food for those chilly winter nights. Made with just a handful of ingredients and ready in under an hour, this hearty dish will warm you up from the inside out.
It’s a hearty and flavorful dish that combines two classic dishes – French onion soup and pasta – into one delicious meal. Plus, it only requires one pot, making clean-up a breeze. With just a handful of staple ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that will impress your family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
If you love French Onion recipes, then next you should try this recipe for French Onion Gnocchi Soup or this Instant Pot French Onion Chicken recipe.
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Ingredients
This is an overview of the ingredients that you need to make this recipe. You can find the full list of ingredients in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Olive Oil – This is used to sauté onions and start those brown bits at the bottom of the pan.
- Large Yellow Onions – The natural sugars in these onions caramelize beautifully for that sweet flavor.
- Garlic – Just a few cloves bring depth to the flavor profile.
- Unsalted Butter – Melty goodness that enhances the caramelization process and creamy sauce.
- Sugar – Helps the onions achieve a deep golden brown color.
- Fresh Thyme – This herb elevates the flavors of traditional French onion soup into pasta form.
- Dry White Wine (Optional) – A little bit of wine adds richness and deglazes the bottom of the pot.
- Beef Broth or Chicken Broth – Essential for the creamy French onion pasta base.
- Rigatoni Pasta – The type of pasta holds the creamy sauce well, but bow ties or other shapes will also work.
- Salt and Black Pepper – A generous pinch of salt and fresh black pepper enhance the rich flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese – Grated freshly for that sharp, nutty finish.
Instructions
This is an overview of the steps needed to make this recipe. The full instructions are available in the recipe card.
Step 1: In a large pot, heat olive oil. Add the sliced onions, sugar, and a pinch of salt, cooking and stirring often until the onions are deeply caramelized.
Step 2: Stir in the garlic and thyme, cooking until fragrant. If using wine, deglaze the pot with it, scraping up any bits from the bottom, and let it simmer until most of the liquid evaporates.
Step 3: Add the broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, stir the pasta to coat it with the onions. Boil until pasta is tender and broth is mostly absorbed.
Step 4: Stir in the butter and cheese, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Storage
Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze individual portions. Just ensure the pasta is cooled and stored properly to avoid freezer burn.
Reheating: Place in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to retain the creamy consistency.
Wendy’s Tips
- Deglaze properly—those brown bits at the bottom of the pan are the secret to the rich flavor.
- Use dry pasta directly in the sauce—it absorbs the delicious flavors during cooking.
- Choose a large pot or skillet to ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding.
What To Serve With One Pot French Onion Pasta
- A crisp Kale White bean salad with vinaigrette dressing.
- Crusty Sourdough Dutch Oven bread for scooping up the creamy sauce.
- Roasted vegetables like asparagus or roasted broccoli and Brussels sprouts are used for balance.
FAQs
Absolutely! Vegetable broth makes this dish vegetarian-friendly while maintaining a flavorful base.
Any sturdy pasta like rigatoni, bow ties, or penne works well. Just avoid delicate pasta that may overcook.
One Pot French Onion Pasta
Equipment
- large pot
- Mixing Spoon
- Sharp Knife
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 yellow onions thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- ¼ cup dry white wine optional
- 4 cups vegetable or beef broth
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sugar, and a pinch of salt, cooking for 20-25 minutes, stirring often until the onions are deeply caramelized.
- Stir in the garlic and thyme, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. If using wine, deglaze the pot with it, scraping up any bits from the bottom, and let it simmer until most of the liquid evaporates.
- Add the broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta, stirring to coat it with the onions.
- Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the broth has mostly absorbed.
- Stir in the butter, cheese, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.
Disclaimer:
Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and proportion sizes.
Nutrition
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