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One Pot French Onion Pasta Dinner Recipe

French onion soup flavors transformed into creamy one-pot pasta with caramelized onions, beefy broth, and melted Gruyere cheese.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, French
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 large yellow onions sliced into rings 1/8-inch thick
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt for onions
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper for onions
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes pinch to 1/4 teaspoon
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce
  • 5 1/2 cups water or substitute beef broth and omit bouillon
  • 1 12 oz. can evaporated milk
  • 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons beef bouillon granulated, base, or cubes
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley minced, or 1 teaspoon dried
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme minced, or 3/4 teaspoon dried
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper for sauce
  • 1 pound short cut pasta uncooked, orecchiette recommended
  • 5 oz. Gruyere cheese freshly shredded
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese freshly shredded
  • fresh parsley for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven (7 quart)
  • Mandoline slicer (optional)
  • whisk
  • wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Melt butter in olive oil in a large 7-quart Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Stir to coat in the fat.
  2. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally every 5-7 minutes, until caramelized and dark golden brown, about 30-35 minutes. If onions start to scorch, reduce heat slightly and add additional butter or olive oil.
  3. Once onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the water and half of the evaporated milk to the pot. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with the remaining evaporated milk until smooth, then add to the pot. Increase heat to high.
  5. Stir in the beef bouillon, parsley, thyme, oregano, paprika, and pepper. Stir until bouillon dissolves and mixture comes to a rolling boil.
  6. Add the uncooked pasta and reduce heat to medium-high to maintain a strong simmer. Cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently and pushing pasta into an even layer so it stays submerged. The pasta should reach al dente with excess liquid remaining. Add water 1/2 cup at a time if liquid evaporates before pasta is done.
  7. Remove pot from heat. Add Gruyere cheese one handful at a time, stirring until each addition melts completely before adding more. Follow with Parmesan, stirring until smooth.
  8. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if desired. For a saucier consistency, stir in additional water or milk a few tablespoons at a time. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

Storage: Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheating: Microwave small portions for 1 minute, stir, then heat in 30-second intervals. For larger portions, reheat on stovetop over medium-low heat with splash of water or milk. Make-ahead: Slice onions and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Can caramelize onions and prepare sauce base (without pasta and cheese), then refrigerate and finish when ready to serve. Use large pot: 6-8 quart Dutch oven recommended. Cheese: Use freshly shredded Gruyere and Parmesan for best melting. Variations: Make vegetarian with vegetable broth, add cooked ground beef or sausage, use different pasta shapes (radiatori, shells, rotini), add mushrooms or spinach.