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One Pot French Onion Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 85 reviews

This One Pot French Onion Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring deeply caramelized onions and a rich, cheesy sauce made with Gruyere and Parmesan. Combining classic French onion soup flavors with hearty pasta, this recipe is cooked entirely in one pot for easy cleanup and a creamy, satisfying result perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Onions

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 large yellow onions, sliced into rings 1/8-inch thick (Mandoline recommended)
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • Pinch to 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce
  • 5 1/2 cups water (or substitute with beef broth)
  • 1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk
  • 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons beef bouillon (granulated, base or cubes) (optional if using beef broth)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, minced (or 3/4 teaspoon dried)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Add Last

  • 1 pound short cut pasta, uncooked (such as orecchiette)
  • 5 ounces freshly shredded Gruyere cheese
  • 1/4 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize Onions: In a large 7-quart Dutch oven, melt the butter in olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions along with 1/8 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 30-35 minutes, until they are deeply caramelized and a dark golden brown. Reduce the heat if needed and add more butter or olive oil if onions start to scorch.
  2. Sauté Garlic and Flavorings: Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook this mixture for about 30 seconds to develop the flavors.
  3. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the water and half of the evaporated milk. Whisk the cornstarch with the remaining evaporated milk until smooth, then add this mixture to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat while stirring in the beef bouillon and the fresh or dried herbs (parsley, thyme), along with oregano, paprika, and pepper.
  4. Cook Pasta: When the liquid reaches a boil, add the uncooked pasta and reduce the heat to maintain a simmer over medium-high. Cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring often to prevent the pasta from sticking and pushing it down so it stays submerged. Continue until the pasta is al dente. The pot should still contain some liquid, which will become the creamy sauce. Add more water if necessary during cooking.
  5. Incorporate Cheeses: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the Gruyere cheese gradually, a handful at a time, until fully melted and incorporated. Then add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. If a saucier pasta is desired, stir in additional water or milk.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve the pasta warm.

Notes

  • Use a mandoline to slice onions uniformly to ensure even caramelization.
  • If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute water for beef broth and omit the beef bouillon and Worcestershire sauce or replace with vegetarian alternatives.
  • Adding cornstarch mixed with evaporated milk helps thicken the sauce smoothly.
  • Stirring often during pasta cooking prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
  • Keep an eye on the liquid level during simmering to prevent burning or drying out.
  • Gruyere cheese is key for that authentic French onion flavor; if unavailable, you may substitute with a good-quality Swiss cheese.
  • For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.

Keywords: French onion pasta, one pot pasta, caramelized onions, Gruyere cheese pasta, easy dinner, cheesy pasta, comfort food

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