If you love the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup, then you’ll adore this One-Pot French Onion Pasta. This recipe brings together caramelized onions, melted cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta in one easy dish that’s ideal for weeknight dinners. It’s comforting, cheesy, and so flavorful — like French onion soup meets creamy pasta.

Necessary Kitchen Equipment

Large Pot or Dutch Oven: For cooking everything in one pot.
Wooden Spoon: To stir and caramelize the onions.
Cheese Grater: To grate fresh cheese for topping.

Ingredient Overview

Yellow Onions: The heart of the dish, caramelized for sweetness and depth.
Butter and Olive Oil: For sautéing the onions to create a rich flavor base.
Garlic: Adds a bit of aromatic depth.
Thyme: Fresh or dried thyme complements the onions beautifully.
Beef Broth: Gives a hearty, French onion soup-like depth.
Pasta: A sturdy pasta like fettuccine or linguine works well.
Gruyère Cheese: Melts into the pasta, adding the signature cheesy flavor of French onion soup.
Parmesan: Adds a bit of saltiness and extra creaminess.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Caramelize the Onions
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 4 large sliced yellow onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes, until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown. Reduce the heat if needed to prevent burning.
Add Garlic and Thyme
Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme (or a few sprigs of fresh thyme) to the pot with the onions. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Deglaze and Add Broth
Pour in 4 cups of beef broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom. Bring to a simmer.
Add Pasta
Add 12 ounces of pasta directly into the pot. Stir to ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the broth. Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the broth. Add more broth or water if needed.
Add the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low, and stir in 1½ cups of grated Gruyère cheese and ½ cup of grated Parmesan. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and coats the pasta in a creamy sauce.
Serve and Garnish
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh thyme leaves and a little extra Parmesan, if desired.

Recipe Tips

Caramelizing the Onions: Take your time with this step; it’s essential for developing the rich, sweet flavor.
Cheese Choices: Gruyère is traditional, but you can also use Swiss cheese or mozzarella for a similar effect.
Broth: Beef broth gives the most authentic French onion flavor, but vegetable or chicken broth can be used if preferred.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Serve this pasta with a side of crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce, or pair it with a light green salad to balance the richness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes! Substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.

Q: Can I add protein to this dish?
A: Absolutely. Sliced chicken or even a few mushrooms work wonderfully in this recipe.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta dish is hearty on its own, but pairs well with roasted vegetables or a Caesar salad on the side.

Ingredients

4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried thyme (or a few sprigs fresh thyme)
4 cups beef broth (or more as needed)
12 oz fettuccine or linguine
1½ cups Gruyère cheese, grated
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish

Instructions

Caramelize Onions: In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter. Add onions and cook on medium, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized.
Add Garlic and Thyme: Stir in garlic and thyme; cook until fragrant.
Deglaze and Simmer: Add beef broth, scraping up browned bits. Bring to a simmer.
Cook Pasta: Add pasta and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally.
Add Cheese: Lower heat and stir in Gruyère and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
Serve: Garnish with thyme leaves and extra Parmesan if desired.

Summary

This One-Pot French Onion Pasta combines caramelized onions, cheese, and tender pasta for a cozy, comforting dish that’s easy to make in one pot.

Notes

For an extra French onion flair, broil a little extra cheese on top until bubbly before serving!