One-Pot French Onion Pasta (Print version)

Pasta with caramelized onions, savory broth, and cheese for a rich, French-inspired, one-pot comfort meal.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
02 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Pantry

03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 - 9 ounces dried pasta, such as fusilli, penne, or rigatoni

→ Liquids

06 - 3 1/3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
07 - 1/2 cup dry white wine, optional, or use additional vegetable broth

→ Dairy

08 - 1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
09 - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

→ Seasonings

10 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
11 - 1 bay leaf
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

13 - Fresh parsley, chopped, optional

# How To Make It:

01 - In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Stir frequently and cook until onions become deeply golden and caramelized, about 20 to 25 minutes.
02 - Add the minced garlic to the caramelized onions and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
03 - Pour in dry white wine, if using, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Allow the wine to reduce by half, about 2 minutes.
04 - Incorporate dried thyme, bay leaf, dried pasta, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
05 - Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 12 to 15 minutes.
06 - Remove the bay leaf. Stir in Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses until melted and the sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
07 - Portion pasta into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses just one pot which means less cleanup at the end of the night
  • Caramelized onions and melty cheese give this dish its signature richness
  • Customizable for different diets and cheese preferences
  • Ready in under one hour making it perfect for a weeknight or special meal
02 -
  • Naturally vegetarian and full of satisfying flavor
  • Can easily be made vegan or gluten free with a few swaps
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day
03 -
  • Slice onions evenly for uniform caramelization and better texture in every bite
  • Stir onions frequently to prevent burning and never rush this step
  • Use the highest quality cheese and broth you can find because they make a difference in flavor

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