French Onion Pasta
This one-pot French Onion Pasta recipe combines the hearty, rich flavors of a classic French Onion Soup with the comforting appeal of a creamy pasta dish.
In one pot, we marry caramelized onions, hearty beef broth, and tender pasta, finished with a splash of white wine and a sprinkle of cheese. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.
French Onion Pasta Recipe Highlights
- ONE-POT PASTA RECIPES – Keeping things simple, this recipe requires just one pot for preparation and cooking, saving you clean-up time.
- DEPTH OF FLAVOR – The slow caramelization of onions brings out their natural sweetness, creating a deep, robust flavor that works well with the richness of the beef broth and white wine.
- COMFORT FOOD REINVENTED – With its roots in traditional French Onion Soup, this dish takes comfort food to the next level, merging the familiar with the unexpected for a truly satisfying meal.
- FAST AND FILLING – This recipe is surprisingly quick and straightforward, resulting in a hearty dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredient Notes
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
PASTA – I recommend short pasta types like orecchiette, fusilli, or penne. Another pasta I really enjoy (and used for this recipe) is egg noodles. I used medium-wide egg noodles, but wide ones would work, too.
If you are in the mood and feel like making this dish extra special, you could also make some fresh Spaetzle (one of the most popular recipes on the blog). They are easy to make and will go perfectly with this French Onion Pasta.
YELLOW ONIONS – When caramelized, they provide a sweet and savory flavor depth that is the core of this dish.
UNSALTED BUTTER AND OLIVE OIL – Used to sauté the onions, they ensure a smooth, flavorful base for the dish.
BROTH – Beef broth is my go-to choice because it gives the pasta that savory flavor we love in a classic French Onion Soup. Chicken or vegetable broth can also work well for a milder taste.
DRY WHITE WINE – Adds a touch of acidity to balance the onions’ sweetness and the cheese’s richness.
FRESH THYME – Brings a touch of earthiness and complements the savory notes in the dish. I prefer fresh thyme leaves, but you can also use dried thyme.
CREAM CHEESE AND SWISS CHEESE – Their creamy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness ties all the flavors together, providing a perfect finish. I used a block of Swiss cheese, but you can also use Gruyère cheese. You’ll typically find Gruyere cheese in the “fancy cheese section” of any major supermarket.
How To Make A One-Pot French Onion Pasta
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Caramelize onions in a large pot or large Dutch oven. Add garlic and thyme.
- Add wine and broth, reduce; cook pasta separately.
- Stir cream and Swiss cheese into the sauce until smooth.
- Mix pasta into sauce, and season to taste with salt and black pepper.
Leftovers and Storage
STORE – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
FREEZE – This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
REHEAT – Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to thin the sauce if needed.
Recipe Success Tips
CARAMELIZE ONIONS SLOWLY – The slower you caramelize your onions, the deeper and richer the flavor will be.
USE QUALITY BROTH – A good quality beef broth can elevate the flavors in your dish.
PASTA TYPE – Stick to hearty pasta shapes that can hold onto the sauce for a flavor-packed bite.
WINE SELECTION – A dry white wine best cuts through the rich flavors and balances the dish.
CHEESE VARIETY – Feel free to play with different cheeses, but ensure they have a good melting quality.
Recipe Success Tips
Serving Suggestions
GARNISH GENEROUSLY – Sprinkling fresh herbs or more cheese can make each serving pop. I like to chop some fresh parsley or garnish with a few thyme sprigs.
WITH A CRISP SALAD – This rich pasta pairs well with a simple, fresh salad.
TOASTED BAGUETTE – Just like the soup, serve with slices of toasted baguette on the side.
More Easy and Delicious Recipes
Pizza Casserole – All your favorite toppings are baked.
TikTok Spaghetti – Viral sensation, classic comfort.
Baked Feta Pasta – Creamy, tangy, and irresistible.
Fried Bacon Cabbage Pasta – Smoky bacon, tender cabbage, and pasta.
Lasagna Roll-Ups – A fun twist of a classic recipe.
French Onion Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta your choice (egg noodles, fusilli, penne, etc.)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 4-5 large yellow onions thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon thyme leaves fresh, chopped (or 2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 2 cups beef broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup Swiss cheese shredded, or Gruyere
Instructions
- Over medium heat, add olive oil and butter in a large pot or Dutch oven. Once hot, add the sliced onions. Stir occasionally, letting the onions caramelize slowly for about 35-40 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and thyme to caramelized onions, and cook for 1-2 minutes until garlic is aromatic. Sprinkle brown sugar over the onions, stir well, and cook for 2 minutes.
- Pour in dry the white wine to deglaze the skillet, scraping any brown bits. Add vegetable broth and simmer and let the sauce reduce for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente.
- Add the cream cheese to the sauce, stirring until the sauce is smooth. Then stir in the shredded Swiss cheese.
- Once the cheese has melted, add the drained pasta and toss to combine. If desired, season with salt and pepper.
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Calorie information and nutritional values are estimates. If you have nutritional concerns, we recommend using a nutritional calculator.
Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.