Name: One-Pot French Onion Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 large yellow onions, sliced into 1/8-inch rings; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon pepper; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups water; 2 teaspoons beef bouillon granules; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce; 12 ounces orecchiette pasta; 1 cup evaporated milk; 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore this One-Pot French Onion Pasta. It transforms the comforting flavors of French onion soup into a creamy, cheesy pasta dish—all made in a single pot. The caramelized onions bring a deep sweetness, while the combination of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and beef bouillon adds a rich umami depth. Using evaporated milk instead of heavy cream keeps the sauce velvety without being overly rich. Plus, the Gruyère cheese melts beautifully, creating a luscious, golden crust. It’s a cozy, indulgent meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. One-Pot French Onion Pasta

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 large yellow onions, sliced into 1/8-inch rings
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups water
2 teaspoons beef bouillon granules
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
12 ounces orecchiette pasta
1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish

(Hint: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply caramelized, about 40–45 minutes. If the onions begin to brown too quickly, add a splash of water to deglaze the pan and continue cooking.
Add the minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in the water, beef bouillon granules, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the orecchiette pasta. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 12–15 minutes.
Stir in the evaporated milk, Gruyère cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook, stirring, until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
Remove from heat and let the pasta sit for a few minutes to thicken. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Omit the beef bouillon and use vegetable broth instead of water for a vegetarian-friendly dish.
Protein Add-ins: Add cooked chicken for a heartier meal.
Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to add some heat.
Additional Veggies: Incorporate mushrooms, spinach, or peas for added flavor and nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute orecchiette with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni, penne, or shells. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package instructions.

Is Gruyère cheese essential?

While Gruyère adds a distinct flavor, you can substitute it with Swiss cheese or a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan if needed.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the point of adding the cheeses. Store it in the refrigerator, and when ready to serve, reheat and stir in the cheeses until melted and creamy.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer the pasta uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow more liquid to evaporate, or stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water.

Can I freeze this pasta?

While the dish can be frozen, the texture of the pasta may change upon reheating. For best results, it’s recommended to enjoy it fresh.

Conclusion

This One-Pot French Onion Pasta is a delightful twist on the classic soup, offering all the rich, savory flavors in a comforting pasta form. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for cozy weeknight dinners. Whether you’re a fan of French onion soup or just love creamy pasta dishes, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.