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One Pot Creamy French Onion Pasta

A spoonful of hot, cheesy french onion pasta showing extreme cheese pull and topped with caramelized onions.
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You can make this rich, comforting pasta dish inspired by French Onion Soup entirely in one pot. It features deeply caramelized onions, savory broth, and melted Gruyère cheese for a satisfying weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

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  • 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
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine or water
  • 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 12 ounces short pasta, such as penne or rotini
  • 1/2 cup evaporated milk
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes until the onions are deeply browned and caramelized. Do not rush this step; this develops the flavor.
  2. Add the minced garlic and dried thyme to the pot. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the white wine or water to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cook until the liquid evaporates, about 2 minutes.
  4. Pour in the beef broth and 1 cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Add the dry pasta to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  6. Stir in the evaporated milk, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the Gruyère cheese until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. Taste and add more salt if needed.
  8. Serve immediately in bowls, topping each serving with extra grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • For an even richer flavor, use high-quality beef bouillon or concentrate instead of standard broth.
  • If you do not have Gruyère, you can substitute with Swiss cheese, but Gruyère melts better and provides the classic flavor.
  • This recipe is excellent for busy evenings; the one-pot method keeps cleanup simple.

Nutrition

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