This French Onion Pasta is a delicious twist on the classic soup recipe.
The best part, this pasta recipe is made in just one pot.
If you love caramelized onions, cheese and pasta, this is the one pot pasta for you!While we are near the end of a cooler season I am still in the mood for cozy pasta recipes. This recipe is one of those dishes that is perfect for transitioning from one season to the next.
This viral french onion pasta recipe first became a hit on TikTok but with the flavours involved I knew I had to make my own version!
Why you’ll love this french onion soup pasta recipe
- It’s made in just one pot so its a perfect recipe for weeknights or enjoying with family on the weekend!
- This recipe brings all the flavour of french onion soup but is so much simpler to make.
- While it’s delicious the day you make it, the leftovers are just as tasty! So, you can totally meal prep this pasta recipe for lunch or dinner.
- Caramelized onions are absolutely delectable; this part of the recipe does take a bit of time but then the rest of the dish comes together super quick!
Ingredients needed to make this viral one pot pasta
Onions: sweet yellow onions are my favourite for caramelizing as the base of this recipe.
Pasta: elbow (also known as macaroni) noodles are used because they cook up so quickly.
Fresh thyme: gives a gorgeous punch of flavour when paired with the caramelized onions and beef broth.
Balsamic Vinegar & water: traditionally wine is used to deglaze the pan but I’ve opted for the acidity of balsamic vinegar.
Beef broth: classic broth that brings the french onion soup flavours to life in this pasta.
Butter & Olive Oil: the base of the recipe, which the onions need to caramelize.
Cheese: swiss cheese pairs beautifully with the caramelized onion flavour but gruyere cheese would work well too since it’s classicly used in french onion soup.
Sugar and salt: both help to caramelize the onions.
Step by step process for making french onion pasta
Step 1: Melt butter and oil together in a medium pot or high sided pan over medium heat. Add sliced onions, pinch of sugar and salt to the pan and stir.
Step 2: Cover and cook for 5 minutes, then remove the lid and turn to medium low heat. Cook the onions for 20-25 minutes, stirring every 3-4 minutes so the onions don’t burn. They will be a nice golden colour when they’re fully caramelized.
Step 3: Stir in the balsamic vinegar and water, cook until most of the liquid has evaporated.
Step 4: Add the beef broth, fresh thyme sprigs, noodles and pepper stir to combine. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally so the noodles don’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
Step 5: Put the lid on the pot/pan most of the way and keep at a gentle simmer over medium / medium-low heat until pasta is just tender and most of the liquid is absorbed / turned into a creamier sauce. Stir occasionally.
Step 6: Remove from the heat and stir in the cheese until combined. Serve topped with fresh thyme, more shredded cheese and pepper!
One Pot French Onion Pasta
This One Pot French Onion pasta is creamy & rich in flavour! Caramelized onions, pasta & fresh thyme bring the flavour to this simple dinner.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 sweet yellow onions, thinly sliced
- pinch sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp water
- 275 g or 10 oz elbow (macaroni) noodles
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese
Instructions
-
Melt butter and oil together in a medium pot or high sided pan over medium heat. Add sliced onions, pinch of sugar and salt to the pan and stir.
-
Cover and cook for 5 minutes, then remove the lid and turn to medium low heat. Cook the onions for 20-25 minutes, stirring every 3-4 minutes so the onions don’t burn. They will be a nice golden colour when they’re fully caramelized.
-
Stir in the balsamic vinegar and water, cook until most of the liquid has evaporated.
-
Add the beef broth, fresh thyme sprigs, noodles and pepper stir to combine. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally so the noodles don’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
-
Put the lid on the pot/pan most of the way and keep at a gentle simmer over medium / medium-low heat until pasta is just tender and most of the liquid is absorbed / turned into a creamier sauce. Stir occasionally.
-
Remove from the heat and stir in the cheese until combined. Serve topped with fresh thyme, more shredded cheese and pepper!
Recipe Notes
- This pasta works best with a quick-cooking noodle like elbow (macaroni) noodles but you could try another pasta shape with a similar cooking time like a small shell, penne or ziti.
- If you want to use a different cheese, shredded parmesan or mozzarella could also work.
- Don't have beef broth? Substitute with vegetable or chicken broth but stir in 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari too which will help boost the flavour and make it similar to beef broth.
FAQ
Can I cook the pasta separately?
The joy of this recipe is cooking everything in one pot so the noodles take on all of the delicious caramelized onion flavour and the starch from the pasta creates a beautifully creamy sauce.
What’s the best way to slice onions for french onion soup pasta?
Slice off the root and stem ends of the onion and then slice the onion in half, from root to tip. Peel off the skin of the onion. Then place the flat side down on a cutting board and thinly slice the onion into about 1/4 inch thick slices.
What if I don’t have beef broth?
You can substitute with vegetable or chicken broth but stir in 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari too which will help boost the flavour and make it similar to beef broth.
What can I serve this viral one pot french onion pasta recipe with?
Try a simple green salad like this kale and brussels sprouts salad in the Fall & Winter months, or this easy green salad to make it a full meal in the Springtime.
Expert tips for making this french onion pasta
- Caramelize the onions low and slow; while you might be tempted to turn up the heat that can quickly burn the onions. Keep on medium low and be sure to stir every 3-4 minutes.
- This pasta works best with a quick-cooking noodle like elbow (macaroni) noodles but you could try another pasta shape with a similar cooking time like a small shell, penne or rotini.
Storage
Store french onion pasta leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a frying pan on low heat, adding a bit of broth or water to make it saucier again. You can also reheat in the microwave.
More one pot pasta recipes to make from the blog
One Pot Sausage and Tomato Pasta
One Pot Creamy Tortellini Soup
Until the next cooking adventure,
Jess
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