Description
This One Pot French Onion Pasta brings the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup into a comforting pasta dish. With caramelized onions, a rich broth, and gooey melted cheese, this pasta is a perfect weeknight meal that comes together quickly and without the hassle of multiple dishes.
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large onions (thinly sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup chicken broth (or use all beef broth for a richer flavor)
- 12 oz pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese, for a classic French onion soup flavor)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until they are soft and golden brown. Be patient, as this slow caramelization develops the deep flavor of the onions.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Broth and Seasoning
4. Stir in the beef broth, chicken broth, butter, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
5. Add the uncooked pasta to the pot, ensuring it’s submerged in the broth.
6. Bring it to a simmer and cook for about 10-12 minutes (or according to the pasta package directions), stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the broth has been mostly absorbed.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
7. Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded Gruyère cheese and Parmesan cheese (if using), allowing them to melt into the sauce and create a creamy texture.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
8. Once the cheese is melted and everything is well combined, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
Notes
- Caramelize the onions well: The key to the deep flavor is in caramelizing the onions slowly. Don’t rush this step!
- Broth options: You can use all beef broth for a richer, heartier flavor, or mix half beef and half chicken broth for balance.
- Adjust the cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese for extra depth of flavor—Gruyère is traditional, but a bit of mozzarella for extra gooeyness works great too.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Cuisine: French-inspired American