Description
This One Pot French Onion Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish combining the deep, sweet flavors of caramelized onions with tender pasta cooked in savory broth, finished with rich cream and melted Gruyère cheese. Perfect for an easy yet elegant weeknight meal, it captures the essence of classic French onion soup in a creamy pasta form.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 1 cup water
- 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti work well)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sugar, stirring occasionally. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the onions turn golden brown and develop a sweet, caramelized flavor.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the seasonings are well incorporated.
- Add Liquid and Pasta: Pour in the beef broth and water while scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Add the pasta, making sure it is fully submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook for 10-12 minutes until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded Gruyère cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely, forming a creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for a complete French onion-inspired meal.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth.
- Use Swiss cheese if Gruyère is unavailable; it offers a similar melting quality and flavor.
- To save time, you can caramelize onions in advance and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Stir the pasta frequently while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the pot.
- Adjust the liquid quantities slightly if using very thin or thicker pasta shapes to ensure proper cooking.
