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One Pot French Onion Pasta: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

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  • Author: Mary
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: French
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This One Pot French Onion Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of caramelized onions, Gruyère, and mozzarella cheese all cooked together with pasta in a flavorful broth. It’s a delicious and easy-to-make recipe perfect for a hearty weeknight meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces uncooked pasta (preferably short pasta like penne or fusilli)
  • 4 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)


Instructions

  1. Caramelize Onions: In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are caramelized and golden brown, developing a deep rich flavor.
  2. Add Flavorings: Stir in balsamic vinegar, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
  3. Add Broth and Cream: Pour in the beef or vegetable broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine all ingredients smoothly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  4. Cook Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta to the pot, stir well, and cover. Allow it to cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed much of the liquid.
  5. Incorporate Cheese: Once the pasta is tender, stir in the grated Gruyère and shredded mozzarella until melted and creamy, creating a luscious sauce.
  6. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust salt and pepper as needed to balance flavors perfectly.
  7. Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch.

Notes

  • Using a mix of Gruyère and mozzarella brings the perfect balance of nuttiness and creaminess to the dish.
  • Caramelizing onions slowly is key to developing deep flavor—don’t rush this step.
  • You can substitute the broth with vegetable broth to make this recipe vegetarian.
  • If desired, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
  • Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work best for this one-pot method.