This One Pot French Onion Pasta is a cozy meal that’s full of flavor! With sweet onions, rich broth, and gooey cheese, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
I love how everything cooks in just one pot—less mess for me! Plus, the cheesy goodness on top makes it extra special. Who doesn’t love cheese? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Onions: These are perfect for caramelizing due to their sweetness. If you’re in a pinch, you could use sweet onions or even red onions, but keep in mind that they will taste a bit different.
Butter & Olive Oil: The butter adds richness, while olive oil helps prevent burning. You can replace butter with any plant-based spread if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
Pasta: I love using shell or tortellini for their shape that holds the sauce nicely. You can swap it for any other pasta, like penne or fusilli, just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Beef Broth: This gives the pasta a deep flavor. For vegetarian or vegan options, vegetable broth works great! Homemade broth adds even more depth if you have the time.
White Wine: This ingredient enhances flavor greatly. If you’d prefer not to use it, substitute with a splash of additional broth or a bit of vinegar mixed with water.
How Do I Caramelize Onions Perfectly?
Caramelizing onions is key to developing that rich, sweet flavor in this dish. Here’s how to get it right:
- Slice the onions thin so they cook evenly.
- Use medium heat and have patience! Rushing can burn them.
- Add the sugar and salt early to help them brown.
- Stir every few minutes to prevent sticking and burning, cooking them for around 25-30 minutes until they’re golden and soft.
Remember, the longer you cook them, the deeper and richer the flavor will be! Enjoy your cooking adventure! 🌟
One Pot French Onion Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves)
- 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 12 ounces pasta (preferably tortellini or shell pasta)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 40-45 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping your ingredients and then about 30 minutes cooking, including the time to caramelize the onions and boil the pasta. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelizing the Onions:
In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced onions, sprinkle with sugar, and half of the salt and pepper. Cook gently, stirring often, until the onions turn deeply caramelized and golden brown, which will take about 25-30 minutes. This step adds rich flavor to the dish!
2. Adding Flavors:
Once the onions are nicely caramelized, add the minced garlic and thyme to the pan. Stir well and cook for another minute until you can smell the garlic’s delicious aroma.
3. Deglazing the Pan:
If you’re using white wine, pour it in now, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This will add more flavor! Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the wine has reduced slightly.
4. Cooking the Pasta:
Next, pour in the broth and add the remaining salt and pepper. Bring everything to a simmer. Add the pasta to the pot, stirring to make sure it’s all submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Final Touches:
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if you think it needs a little extra. It should be rich and delicious!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, garnish your pasta with freshly chopped parsley and some extra grated Parmesan on top. Serve hot and enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of French onion pasta!
Indulge in your hearty and flavorful One Pot French Onion Pasta—it’s creamy, cheesy, and simply irresistible!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While tortellini or shell pasta works beautifully in this recipe, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, like penne or fusilli. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, since different pasta shapes may cook at different rates.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth. You can also skip the white wine if you prefer, or replace it with additional broth for extra flavor!
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the caramelized onions and sauce ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply cook the pasta, and then combine everything. This will cut down on prep time during your main meal!