Description
This One-pot French Onion Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring caramelized onions, tender pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. Prepared all in one pan, it combines the rich, deep flavors of slowly caramelized onions with the simplicity of a pasta dinner, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Pasta and Broth
- 2 cups small pasta (mini farfalle, pastina, or orceccheiette)
- 3 cups beef broth
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 4 large yellow onions, finely sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, pressed
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or substitute with 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
Dairy and Fats
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmigiano Reggiano, plus additional for garnish
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Other
- 1/4 cup white wine
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Prepare the onions: Drizzle some olive oil and add unsalted butter to a large pan over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions, stirring to coat them in the butter and oil mixture.
- Caramelize the onions: Cook the onions slowly on medium-low heat for 35-40 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning and ensure even caramelization until they turn a deep golden brown.
- Deglaze and add aromatics: Once the onions are caramelized, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine or beef broth to lift the browned bits from the pan. Add the fresh thyme sprigs (leaves and stem) and pressed garlic cloves, cooking for a few minutes until fragrant.
- Add pasta and broth: Stir in the uncooked pasta and beef broth, then increase the heat to medium-high. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently until most of the liquid is absorbed and the pasta is tender.
- Finish the sauce: Remove thyme stems from the pan. Add the heavy cream and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, stirring to combine. Cook for a few minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce simmers gently, coating the pasta.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle additional thyme leaves and Parmesan cheese on top for garnish. Optionally, serve with a protein like Italian sausage, salmon, or chicken to complete the meal.
Notes
- Caramelizing onions takes time but is key to developing the deep sweet flavor of the dish.
- If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme works well as a substitute.
- Use a sturdy pan or skillet with a good lid to help cook the pasta evenly in liquid.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for beef broth and omit any added protein.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs to enhance flavor and presentation.
- This dish can be paired with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
