Go Back
Creamy one pot French Onion Pasta topped with melted Gruyere and fresh parsley in a white bowl

One Pot French Onion Pasta

A creamy, pantry-friendly one-pot pasta inspired by French Onion Soup, featuring deeply caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and melted Gruyere cheese without any heavy cream.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, French-inspired

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 large yellow onions sliced into 1/8-inch rings, mandoline recommended
  • 1/8 tsp salt for onions
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper for onions
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes or a pinch to taste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp reduced sodium soy sauce
  • 5.5 cups water may substitute beef broth and omit bouillon
  • 12 oz evaporated milk 1 can, divided into two equal portions
  • 1/2 tbsp cornstarch whisked into the second half of the evaporated milk before adding
  • 2 tbsp beef bouillon granulated, base, or crushed cubes
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley minced, or 1 tsp dried
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme minced, or 3/4 tsp dried
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper for sauce
  • 1 lb short cut pasta uncooked, orecchiette recommended
  • 5 oz Gruyere cheese freshly shredded
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese freshly shredded, not pre-bagged
  • fresh parsley for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Large 6-8 quart Dutch oven
  • Mandoline slicer
  • Wooden spoon
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Box grater or cheese grater

Method
 

  1. Melt butter into olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sliced onions, salt, and pepper. Cook uncovered, stirring every few minutes, for 30 to 35 minutes until the onions are deeply golden brown, very soft, and reduced to about a quarter of their original volume. Lower heat if they start to scorch.
  2. Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce to the caramelized onions. Stir constantly and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the water and half of the evaporated milk (about 3/4 cup). Whisk the cornstarch into the remaining evaporated milk in a small bowl until fully dissolved, then add to the pot. Increase heat to high. Stir in beef bouillon, parsley, thyme, oregano, paprika, and pepper.
  4. Once the liquid reaches a rolling boil, add the pasta. Reduce to medium-high heat and cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring frequently and pressing pasta into an even layer so it stays submerged. Add water in 1/4 cup increments if the pot looks dry before pasta is done. Cook until just al dente with sauce remaining in the pot.
  5. Remove pot from heat. Stir in shredded Gruyere one small handful at a time, letting each addition melt fully before adding more. Stir in Parmesan the same way. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Add a splash of water or milk for a saucier result. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Yellow onions only -- do not substitute. Caramelizing takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on your stovetop; use color and texture as your guide, not just time. Onions can be caramelized up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated. Always use freshly shredded cheese for smooth melting. Pasta continues to cook from residual heat, so pull it while just al dente.