Description
If you’re a fan of French onion soup, prepare to fall in love with this One Pot French Onion Pasta recipe. This dish captures the rich, caramelized onion flavors of the classic soup and pairs it with creamy, cheesy pasta for a hearty, satisfying meal. Best of all, it’s made in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 5 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 12 ounces uncooked rigatoni or other short pasta
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
1. Caramelize the Onions
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat and add the olive oil. Toss in the sliced onions and cook them slowly, stirring frequently, until they become golden brown and deeply caramelized. This process takes about 20–25 minutes but is key to achieving the signature flavor.
2. Deglaze the Pot
Once the onions are caramelized, pour a splash of beef broth or white wine into the pot to deglaze it. Scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot to enhance the dish.
3. Add the Broth and Pasta
Stir in the remaining beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, add the uncooked pasta, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
4. Incorporate the Cheese
Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded Gruyère cheese until it melts into the sauce, creating a creamy, savory coating for the pasta. Mix in the heavy cream for added richness. Adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. Garnish and Serve
Dish up the pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme. Serve it immediately for a comforting, flavorful meal that’s sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. It combines the deep, savory flavors of French onion soup with the comfort of pasta. Plus, the one-pot cooking method simplifies the process while intensifying the flavors, making this dish as practical as it is delicious.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with Bread: Serve this dish alongside crusty French bread or garlic toast to soak up every drop of the flavorful sauce.
- Add a Side Salad: Complement the rich flavors with a light green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette.
- Perfect for Gatherings: This dish is excellent for family dinners or entertaining guests. It’s elegant yet simple to prepare.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: While the pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Let it cool completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, and label it.
- Reheating: Reheat the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. You can also microwave individual portions in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Make-Ahead Tip
If you want to prepare ahead, you can caramelize the onions up to 2 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, continue with the recipe from the deglazing step.
