Description

This One Pot French Onion Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish combining caramelized onions with creamy cheese sauce and tender pasta. Inspired by classic French onion soup, it features rich Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses, balanced with a hint of balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe simplifies the cooking process by preparing everything in one pot, saving time and cleanup without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon salt
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Pasta & Broth

8 oz uncooked pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)
3 cups low-sodium beef or vegetable broth

Cheese & Cream Sauce

½ cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning & Garnish

Salt and pepper, to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Caramelize the onions: In a large deep skillet or pot, melt the butter with olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook slowly for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring often, until the onions become deeply golden and caramelized, releasing a rich, sweet aroma.
Add garlic and vinegar: Stir in the minced garlic and balsamic vinegar. Cook for an additional 1 minute to blend the flavors and enhance the depth of the caramelized onions.
Cook the pasta: Add the uncooked pasta and broth to the pot. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir frequently and cook uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Finish the sauce: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard, followed by the shredded Gruyère and grated Parmesan cheeses. Mix gently until the cheese is fully melted, and the sauce is creamy, smooth, and coats the pasta evenly.
Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh, vibrant touch.

Notes

For extra richness, top with additional cheese and broil for 2 to 3 minutes before serving to create a golden crust.
Use vegetable broth to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly.
Add mushrooms or spinach during the cooking process for added flavor and nutrition.