Description
This One Pot French Onion Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the rich, caramelized sweetness of slow-cooked onions with creamy cheeses and perfectly cooked pasta. Ideal for a cozy dinner, it features simple ingredients cooked in one pot for easy cleanup and maximum taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Pasta and Liquids
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (fusilli, penne, or linguine)
- 3 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
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 and cook slowly for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring often, until they are golden brown and beautifully caramelized, which develops the rich base flavor.
- Season and Sauté: Add the salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and minced garlic to the caramelized onions. Sauté for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, then stir in the balsamic vinegar and cook for another minute to enhance the depth and sweetness.
- Add Pasta and Broth: Add the uncooked pasta to the pot followed by the broth. Stir everything well to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer and Cook Pasta: Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, ensuring a creamy consistency without excess broth.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, shredded Gruyère, and grated Parmesan cheese until the mixture is melted and creamy. Remove from heat and let the pasta sit for a few minutes to thicken.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Use a mix of yellow and sweet onions for extra depth and sweetness in flavor.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to lighten the dish.
- Add mushrooms or spinach during cooking for extra vegetables and nutrients.
- Choose gluten-free pasta to adapt this recipe for gluten-free diets.
