I’m so happy to share my One Pot French Onion Pasta with you! Think sweet, slow-cooked onions and tender pasta cuddled in a creamy, cheesy sauce — all made in a single pot. It’s cozy, simple, and the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table smile.
Level: Easy
Total Time: 40 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: French
The first time I made this, my family went quiet — the good kind of quiet — because they were too busy enjoying it. The onions turn soft, brown, and sweet (that’s what “caramelized” means: cooked low and slow until they taste naturally sugary). The pasta cooks right in the broth, and the cheese melts over the top like a warm blanket. If you want something that feels special without being fussy, this is it.
Description
This dish is a one-pot comfort classic with simple steps and big flavor:
• Slow-sweet onions cooked in butter until golden and tender
• Garlic and thyme to make the kitchen smell amazing
• Pasta simmered right in beef broth for extra flavor
• Cream cheese stirred in for a silky, dreamy sauce
• A final layer of shredded Gruyère melted on top — stretchy and irresistible
Everything happens in one pot, which means less mess and more time to enjoy dinner.
Ingredients
• 12 oz wide pasta (fettuccine or pappardelle)
• 2 medium sweet yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 4 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (Swiss works if Gruyère isn’t available)
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Prepare the onions
o Slice the onions as evenly as you can so they cook at the same speed.
o Put a large pot on medium heat and melt the butter. - Cook the onions low and slow
o Add the sliced onions with a pinch of salt.
o Stir now and then for about 10–12 minutes, until the onions turn soft, golden, and sweet. - Add flavor boosters
o Stir in the minced garlic, a little pepper, and the thyme.
o Cook for about 1 minute, just until the garlic smells fragrant (don’t let it brown). - Cook the pasta in the pot
o Pour in the beef broth and add the pasta.
o Bring to a boil, then lower to a gentle simmer.
o Cook uncovered, stirring every couple of minutes so the pasta doesn’t stick, about 10–15 minutes, until the pasta is just tender (it should still have a tiny bite). - Make it creamy
o Turn the heat down low.
o Stir in the cream cheese until it melts and the sauce turns smooth and silky.
o Taste and add more salt and pepper if you need it. - Finish with melty cheese
o Sprinkle the Gruyère over the top.
o Cover the pot for a few minutes so the cheese melts.
o Serve hot and enjoy that cheesy stretch with every forkful.
Process Details
• Sweet onions, simple method: Cooking onions slowly in butter brings out their natural sweetness. Think gentle heat and patience; that’s how you get that deep, golden color.
• Pasta that tastes like the sauce: Simmering pasta in broth (instead of plain water) makes every noodle taste rich from the inside out.
• Creamy without fuss: A small amount of cream cheese melts into the broth and onion mix, turning it into a smooth, cozy sauce.
• The final melt: Gruyère is famous for melting beautifully. Covering the pot helps it turn into that bubbly, stretchy topping.
Tips for Success
• Don’t rush the onions: Keep the heat at medium (or even a touch lower) so they turn sweet, not burnt.
• Stir the pot: Give the pasta a stir every couple of minutes so it cooks evenly and doesn’t clump.
• Season as you go: A pinch of salt with the onions and another taste at the end keeps flavors balanced.
• Keep it gentle: Once cheese is in the pot, lower heat so the sauce stays smooth.
• Use low-sodium broth: This lets you control the salt level easily.
Serving Ideas
• Main or side: Serve a big bowl as the main dish, or spoon smaller portions next to your favorite protein.
• Add-ins for variety: Fold in cooked chicken or easy veggies like spinach or mushrooms to boost nutrition.
• Cheese swap: If you can’t find Gruyère, Swiss works well; mozzarella gives you extra stretch.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)
• Calories: 480
• Protein: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Serving Size: ~1 cup (about 240g)
This One Pot French Onion Pasta is warm, creamy, and deeply satisfying — the kind of bowl that feels like a hug. The steps are simple, the cleanup is easy, and the flavor is huge. I hope it becomes one of your go-to comfort meals, just like it is in my kitchen.
