One Pot French Onion Pasta

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.

A white plate with pasta in a creamy sauce, garnished with herbs, next to a pot of the same pasta and a bunch of fresh parsley.

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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.

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.

A pot filled with sliced onions surrounded by ingredients like pasta, garlic, and black pepper on a white surface.

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.

Sautéed onions in a pan with minced garlic and dried herbs, stirred with a black spoon.

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.

A pot of brown onion soup with herbs, stirred by a black ladle.

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.

A pot filled with cooked rigatoni pasta topped with grated cheese, placed on a white surface.

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.

A close-up of a plate of rigatoni pasta topped with grated cheese and herbs. A fork is inserted into the pasta.

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.

A pot of cooked rigatoni pasta with creamy sauce topped with grated cheese and herbs, placed on a white surface with a side of fresh parsley and an onion.

FAQs

Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth or chicken broth?

Absolutely! Vegetable broth makes this dish vegetarian-friendly while maintaining a flavorful base.

What type of pasta works best in this recipe?

Any sturdy pasta like rigatoni, bow ties, or penne works well. Just avoid delicate pasta that may overcook.