Hey friend! If you’re craving a dish that combines comforting flavors, rich textures, and a little bit of magic in one pot, then let me introduce you to One Pot French Onion Pasta. Seriously, trust me, this recipe is an absolute game-changer. Picture this: tender pasta soaking in all the savory goodness of caramelized onions, melted cheese, and just the right touch of herbs. It’s like French onion soup, but in pasta form—and who wouldn’t want that?
This dish is everything you’ve been waiting for—simple, cozy, and seriously delicious. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner when you want something filling but don’t have time for a complicated meal. The best part? It all comes together in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze. Imagine sinking into a bowl of this warm, cheesy pasta, and that first bite—oh yeah, you’re going to love it. Whether you’re serving it up for the family or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. Ready to get cooking?
Why You’ll Love One Pot French Onion Pasta
Let me tell you why this dish is going to become a new favorite:
Versatile
It’s the kind of meal that fits any occasion—whether you’re whipping it up after a long day at work or serving it at a casual dinner with friends. This dish has all the comforting vibes without any fuss. And the best part? It’s great for leftovers too!
Budget-Friendly
You don’t need to break the bank for great flavor. With just a few pantry staples, you can create something that tastes like it came from a gourmet kitchen. We’re talking about simple, affordable ingredients that deliver big-time flavor.
Quick and Easy
No stress here! Even if you’re not the world’s most experienced cook, this recipe is easy to follow. In about 30 minutes, you can have a mouthwatering meal on the table with minimal effort.
Customizable
Want to add a little extra heat? Go ahead and sprinkle in some chili flakes. Prefer a milder dish? No problem! You can easily adjust the flavors to make it your own. It’s as flexible as you need it to be.
Crowd-Pleasing
It’s a family favorite, and it’s always a hit with friends. There’s something about the rich, savory flavors that everyone can agree on. You’re going to get a lot of “this is amazing!” from everyone at the table.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this French onion-inspired masterpiece:
Caramelized Onions
The heart of this dish! Slow-cooked until golden and tender, they bring all the sweet, savory flavors that French onion soup is known for.
Pasta
Pick your favorite pasta shape, but something that holds sauce well, like fusilli or penne, is perfect for this dish.
Garlic
A few cloves of garlic add that irresistible aromatic base that brings everything to life.
Butter and Olive Oil
For sautéing those onions to sweet, caramelized perfection. The combo of butter and olive oil gives the dish the rich flavor it deserves.
Beef Broth
For that deep, savory taste that will make every bite feel like a hug in a bowl.
Fresh Thyme
A little herb goes a long way in adding a hint of earthy freshness that balances the richness of the pasta.
Mozzarella and Gruyère Cheese
Because what’s French onion-inspired without melty cheese? Mozzarella adds that gooey stretch, and Gruyère brings that nutty, savory depth.
(Note: the full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s walk through how to make this warm, cozy dish that will leave everyone asking for more!
Sauté the Onions
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a mix of butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and golden brown—this could take about 15 minutes, but trust me, it’s worth it for that caramelized goodness.
Add the Garlic and Herbs
Once those onions are beautifully caramelized, stir in the garlic and fresh thyme. Cook for another minute, letting the garlic get all fragrant and heavenly.
Add the Broth and Pasta
Pour in the beef broth, and bring everything to a simmer. Once it’s bubbling, stir in your pasta. Let it cook in the broth, stirring occasionally, until it’s tender and has absorbed all that savory flavor.
Melt in the Cheese
Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from heat and sprinkle the mozzarella and Gruyère over the top. Cover and let the cheese melt into all that warm pasta—be prepared for some serious cheesy magic!
Give it a Stir and Serve
After a few minutes, stir everything together so that cheesy goodness coats every piece of pasta. Serve it up hot, and don’t forget to sprinkle a little extra thyme or freshly cracked pepper on top for an added touch!
How to Serve One Pot French Onion Pasta
This pasta is so flavorful that it can stand on its own, but if you’re looking for some sides, here are a few ideas:
Fresh Green Salad
A crisp, refreshing salad with a light vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the richness of this pasta.
Crusty Bread
Serve with some warm, crusty bread (maybe with a little butter or garlic) to scoop up all that cheesy goodness.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted carrots, asparagus, or zucchini make a lovely side to balance out the dish.
As a Standalone Dish
Sometimes, you just need a big bowl of this comforting pasta all to yourself. Garnish with some fresh thyme or parsley for that perfect finishing touch.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead
Chop and slice your onions the night before to save time. You’ll thank yourself when it’s time to cook.
Spice It Up
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mix for a touch of spice.
Dietary Adjustments
You can make this dish vegetarian by swapping the beef broth for vegetable broth. Or, if you want to go dairy-free, use plant-based cheese options!
Storage Tips
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Double the Batch
This dish is perfect for making a big batch. It freezes well, so why not make extra for a lazy day when you need a quick and comforting meal?
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute the beef broth with chicken broth or vegetable broth?
A1: Absolutely! The beef broth gives it a rich flavor, but you can definitely use chicken or vegetable broth for a lighter version.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, it’s a great make-ahead recipe. Just cook everything up, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently over low heat.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! This dish freezes really well. Just store it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Definitely! Just be sure you have a pot large enough to hold the extra ingredients. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
Q6: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
A6: Yes, if you use vegetable broth and dairy-free cheese, it can easily be made vegetarian!
Q7: What side dishes go well with this recipe?
A7: A simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables all pair beautifully with this pasta.
Q8: How can I make this dish healthier?
A8: Swap out the pasta for a whole grain version or add in extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms to boost the nutritional value.
Q9: What’s the best cookware to use for this recipe?
A large pot or Dutch oven works best for this dish. It allows for even cooking and gives you plenty of space to stir everything together.
Conclusion
One Pot French Onion Pasta is the cozy, comforting dish you didn’t know you needed but will absolutely fall in love with. It’s rich, savory, and easy to make—perfect for when you need something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, this will become a staple in your recipe rotation. Enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite!
PrintThe Ultimate Comfort
This One Pot French Onion Pasta combines rich caramelized onions, earthy cremini mushrooms, and orecchiette in a creamy, flavorful sauce. A cozy, restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for an easy dinner!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-inspired, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
-
¼ cup olive oil
-
3 yellow onions, thinly sliced
-
4 garlic cloves, minced
-
8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
-
1 tbsp fresh thyme
-
½ cup dry white wine
-
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
-
2 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)
-
2 cups water
-
12 oz dried orecchiette (or other short pasta)
-
1 tbsp sherry vinegar
-
Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
-
Fresh herbs & toasted breadcrumbs, for serving (optional)
Instructions
-
Caramelize the Onions:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions with a generous pinch of salt. Cook, stirring often, until deeply caramelized (25-30 minutes). -
Sauté the Mushrooms & Aromatics:
Add garlic, mushrooms, and thyme. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until mushrooms begin to soften. -
Deglaze & Thicken:
Pour in white wine to deglaze, then stir in flour. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened. -
Simmer & Cook the Pasta:
Pour in broth and water. Season with salt and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then add pasta and cook 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. (Adjust cook time based on pasta shape.)
-
Finish & Serve:
Turn off the heat and stir in sherry vinegar. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs and toasted breadcrumbs, if desired.
Notes
-
For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth.
-
If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add a splash of cream or milk at the end.
-
Garnishing with toasted breadcrumbs adds a nice crunch and extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg