One Pot French Onion Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This One Pot French Onion Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the rich, caramelized taste of onions with creamy Gruyère cheese and tender pasta. It’s an easy, elegant meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Ingredients

• 8 oz bowtie pasta
• 2 medium sweet yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic and thyme, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
3. Step 3: Add the bowtie pasta and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the pasta is al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Step 4: Gradually stir in the heavy cream and continue to simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
5. Step 5: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Gruyère cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Step 6: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a deeper flavor, try adding a splash of white wine when cooking the onions.
• Substitute Gruyère with Swiss or mozzarella cheese for a milder taste.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten sensitivities.
• Add cooked mushrooms or sautéed spinach for extra texture and nutrients.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute bowtie pasta with penne, fusilli, or any sturdy pasta that holds up well in a creamy sauce.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

To make a vegan version, use plant-based cream and cheese substitutes, and replace the vegetable broth with a vegan-friendly option to keep flavors rich without dairy.

One Pot French Onion Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 142 reviews

This One Pot French Onion Pasta combines the rich, caramelized flavors of sweet yellow onions and Gruyère cheese with tender bowtie pasta, all cooked together in a creamy vegetable broth base. It’s an easy, comforting dish that delivers the savory essence of classic French onion soup in pasta form, perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: French-inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta & Broth

• 8 oz bowtie pasta
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 2 medium sweet yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)

Dairy & Cheese

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated

Others

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add thinly sliced sweet yellow onions and sauté for 15-20 minutes until they become golden brown and caramelized, releasing their natural sweetness.
2. Add Garlic and Thyme: Stir in minced garlic and fresh or dried thyme, cooking for 1-2 minutes more until the mixture is fragrant and aromatic.
3. Cook Pasta: Add the bowtie pasta to the pot along with the low-sodium vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed the flavors.
4. Add Cream: Gradually pour in the heavy cream and let the pot simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to create a rich, creamy sauce.
5. Incorporate Cheese and Season: Stir in the grated Gruyère cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6. Serve: Serve the pasta hot, optionally garnished with extra Gruyère cheese or fresh herbs for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Caramelizing the onions slowly is key to developing deep, rich flavor for the dish.
• Using low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness in the final dish.
• If Gruyère is unavailable, Emmental or Swiss cheese can be good substitutes.
• This dish can be made vegetarian by ensuring the vegetable broth is fully plant-based.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.

Keywords: French onion pasta, one pot pasta, easy pasta recipe, creamy pasta, caramelized onion recipe, Gruyère cheese pasta, vegetarian pasta dish