There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of caramelized onions mingling with garlic and herbs as they bubble away in a single pot. This One Pot French Onion Pasta brings all the indulgent flavors of classic French onion soup to a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner.

I first tried this recipe as an experiment to combine my love for French onion soup with a simpler, family-friendly meal idea. What started as a whim quickly became a staple in our home, earning rave reviews from everyone at the table.
Ready to try it yourself? Let’s dive into why this dish is so irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This One Pot French Onion Pasta
Get ready to fall head over heels for this rich and savory pasta recipe. Here’s why you’ll want to make it again and again:
First, it’s a one-pot wonder, meaning fewer dishes and less hassle for you. Everything – from caramelizing the onions to cooking the pasta – happens in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze.
Second, the flavors are out of this world. Think sweet, caramelized onions, a hint of garlic, and a luscious sauce that combines beef broth, cream, and melty Gruyère cheese. It’s like your favorite soup transformed into the ultimate comfort food.
It’s also incredibly budget-friendly. With pantry staples like onions, pasta, and broth forming the base, this dish delivers gourmet taste without breaking the bank.
Finally, this recipe is great for entertaining or everyday meals. It’s sophisticated enough to impress guests but easy enough to whip up on a weekday. Pair it with a simple salad and a glass of wine for a dinner that feels fancy with minimal effort.
Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to make it happen.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this One Pot French Onion Pasta lies in its simple, yet carefully balanced ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one is essential:
- Onions: Yellow or sweet onions work best for this dish. When caramelized, they develop a deep, sweet flavor that forms the backbone of the recipe.
- Beef Broth: This adds a rich, savory base that mimics the broth of traditional French onion soup. For a lighter option, you could substitute chicken or vegetable broth, but beef is classic.
- Pasta: Fettuccine or linguine are ideal here. Their flat, wide shape clings to the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
- Gruyère Cheese: This nutty, melty cheese is a must for authentic French onion flavor. If you can’t find Gruyère, Swiss cheese makes a good substitute.
- Cream: Heavy cream adds richness and helps create a velvety sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
- Fresh Thyme: A sprinkle of thyme infuses the dish with an earthy, aromatic touch. Dried thyme works in a pinch, but fresh is worth it if you have it.
You’ll also need basic pantry staples like butter, olive oil, garlic, and salt and pepper. A deep skillet or Dutch oven is the only special equipment required to make this dish a success.
How To Make This One Pot French Onion Pasta

Making this dish is simpler than it sounds – let me walk you through it step by step:
Start by slicing your onions thinly, aiming for even pieces to ensure they cook evenly. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter with a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and a pinch of salt, stirring occasionally as they caramelize. This process takes about 25 minutes, but it’s worth every second.
Once the onions are golden and jammy, stir in minced garlic and fresh thyme, letting them bloom for about a minute. The fragrance will be irresistible!
Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine or a bit of the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits for maximum flavor. Then, pour in the rest of the broth and bring it to a gentle simmer.
Add your uncooked pasta directly into the pot. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. This method ensures the pasta soaks up all the flavorful broth as it cooks.
Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Gruyère cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts into a smooth, glossy sauce that coats the pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Your one-pot masterpiece is ready to serve! Total time? About 40 minutes, including caramelizing the onions.
Storage Options
This pasta dish stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
To refrigerate: Transfer the cooled pasta into an airtight container and store for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
To freeze: While cream-based sauces can sometimes separate, this dish holds up surprisingly well. Freeze in individual portions for up to 1 month, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Keep in mind that freshly made pasta will always have the best texture, but these storage tips ensure you don’t waste a single bite.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is as flexible as it is delicious. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the beef broth for vegetable broth and add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist.
- Protein Boost: Stir in cooked shredded chicken, crispy bacon, or even sliced sausage to turn this into a heartier meal.
- Cheese Alternatives: If Gruyère isn’t your thing, try Parmesan or a blend of mozzarella and Swiss for a different flavor profile.
- Pasta Choices: While fettuccine is a classic, you can use any pasta shape you have on hand. Short shapes like penne or rigatoni work great for a chunkier version.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a little heat.
Experiment and have fun – this recipe is a fantastic canvas for creativity.
One bite of this One Pot French Onion Pasta and you’ll understand why it’s become a family favorite. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or hosting friends for dinner, this dish delivers comfort, flavor, and elegance in every bowl. Try it tonight and prepare to fall in love!
PrintOne Pot French Onion Pasta Recipe
This One Pot French Onion Pasta recipe combines caramelized onions, a creamy sauce, and tender pasta in a quick, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
- 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti pasta
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Gruyère or Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring frequently, for 25-30 minutes until caramelized.
- Add garlic and thyme, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in broth and bring to a simmer. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions, stirring occasionally.
- Once pasta is tender and liquid has reduced, stir in heavy cream and cheese until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Substitute Gruyère with mozzarella or Parmesan for a more accessible cheese.
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
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