... Print

One Pot Creamy French Onion Pasta

A spoonful of creamy french onion pasta showing a dramatic cheese pull over a white bowl.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make this easy, one-pot French Onion Pasta for a comforting weeknight dinner. It captures the deep flavor of caramelized onions and rich cheese with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
  • 1 teaspoon beef bouillon powder
  • 12 ounces short pasta (like penne or rotini)
  • 1/2 cup evaporated milk (or heavy cream for richer sauce)
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a large, deep pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes until the onions are deeply browned and caramelized. This step builds the flavor base.
  2. Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce to the pot. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the beef broth and add the bouillon powder. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  4. Add the dry pasta to the pot. Stir well to submerge the pasta in the liquid.
  5. Return the liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  6. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the evaporated milk, Gruyère cheese, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  7. Taste the pasta and add more salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Serve immediately in bowls, topping each serving with extra grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • For the deepest onion flavor, do not rush the caramelization process; low and slow cooking is key.
  • If you are looking for alternatives to traditional cooking methods, consider how a sous-vide precision cooker might help with even temperature control for other components of a meal, though this recipe is designed for the stovetop.
  • If you prefer a baked finish, transfer the creamy pasta mixture to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes until bubbly.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/french-onion-pasta-one-pot-recipe/