Description

This One Pot French Onion Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish featuring deeply caramelized onions, tender pasta, and a blend of Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses. Inspired by classic French onion soup flavors, this simple stovetop recipe combines savory broth, garlic, thyme, and balsamic vinegar for a rich and delicious meal that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Pasta and Broth

8 ounces uncooked pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
3 1/2 cups beef broth (low-sodium)

Cheese and Cream

1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Garnish

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Caramelize the Onions: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions along with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for 20 to 25 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown, developing a rich sweetness.
Add Herbs and Garlic: Stir in the fresh thyme leaves and minced garlic. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, enhancing the depth of flavor in the onions.
Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the balsamic vinegar and cook for another minute, using it to deglaze the pan and lift the delicious browned bits off the bottom.
Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta and beef broth to the pot. Raise the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Finish with Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, shredded Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses. Continue stirring until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
Rest and Serve: Remove the pot from heat and let the pasta sit for 5 minutes to thicken. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm, enjoying the rich and comforting flavors.

Notes

For extra depth of flavor, add a splash of dry white wine during the caramelization stage.
To make this recipe vegetarian, substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.