If you love the cozy, irresistible flavors of classic French onion soup, get ready to fall head over heels for this One Pot French Onion Pasta! Imagine deeply caramelized onions mingling with slurpable pasta, all coated in a melted blanket of gooey Gruyère cheese and a savory, herb-infused sauce.

This dish is a total comfort food dream, and the best part? It all comes together in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze. The layers of flavor are so rich and satisfying, yet the recipe is shockingly simple-no need to babysit multiple pans or spend hours in the kitchen.

Whether you're feeding your family on a busy weeknight, hosting a casual dinner with friends, or just want to treat yourself to something decadent, this pasta always hits the spot. It was inspired by my favorite bistro and quickly became a go-to in my own kitchen-now it can be yours, too.

French Onion Pasta topped with Gruyère and herbs

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Deep, savory flavor from caramelized onions and a splash of broth, just like the classic soup.
Fewer dishes, less stress thanks to a true one-pot method-everything cooks together for easier cleanup.
Melt-in-your-mouth cheesy goodness with Gruyère and Parmesan for that oven-baked, French café vibe.
Easy to customize with add-ins or substitutions for your favorite ingredients or dietary needs.

Key Ingredients for One Pot French Onion Pasta

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Yellow Onions

The star of this dish! Yellow onions are slowly caramelized to unlock a sweet, deeply savory flavor base for the pasta. Slice them thinly for even cooking, and be patient-low and slow is the secret to achieving that golden-brown perfection. You can use sweet onions for an even richer flavor, or substitute with white onions in a pinch, though the taste will be slightly sharper.

Gruyère Cheese

Gruyère brings that nutty, melty character reminiscent of traditional French onion soup gratinée. Grate it fresh for the best melt and flavor. Don't have Gruyère? Swiss cheese is a great stand-in, or try a mix of mozzarella and sharp white cheddar for a more accessible option.

Dry Pasta

A sturdy pasta shape like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli works best, as it holds up well and catches all the sauce. No-boil pasta cuts down the cook time, but any dried pasta will do-just adjust the water or broth amount as needed.

Beef or Vegetable Broth

This adds rich, savory depth and creates a luscious sauce for the pasta. Opt for low-sodium broth so you control the salt level. For a vegetarian version, use a good-quality veggie broth. Want extra indulgence? Splash in a little white wine as you deglaze the onions!

Fresh Thyme

Thyme gives an earthy, aromatic lift that beautifully balances the sweet caramelized onions. Use fresh sprigs if possible, but dried thyme works in a pinch-just use about half the amount. Rosemary or Italian seasoning can be swapped in for a flavor twist.

One Pot French Onion Pasta cooking process

Instructions for One Pot French Onion Pasta

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Caramelize the Onions

Heat the butter and olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, salt, pepper, and sugar. Cook, stirring frequently, for 15-20 minutes until the onions are golden brown and deeply caramelized. Don't rush this step-the flavor payoff is worth it!

Add Aromatics and Deglaze

Stir in the minced garlic and thyme. Sauté for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the balsamic vinegar to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom.

Add Pasta and Broth

Add the dry pasta and pour in the broth. Give everything a good stir, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is just al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Stir in the Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce is silky, sprinkle in the Gruyère and Parmesan. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and coats the pasta in a luscious, creamy sauce.

Finish and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed. Serve hot, topped with extra Gruyère, a sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley, and plenty of cracked black pepper.

Recipe Variations

Make It Vegan

Skip the butter and use olive oil instead. Swap the Gruyère and Parmesan for your favorite melty vegan cheeses, and choose a rich vegetable broth to keep everything plant-based and delicious.

Add Protein

Amp it up with cooked shredded rotisserie chicken, sautéed mushrooms, or browned Italian sausage. Stir in your protein of choice after the pasta is cooked, right before adding the cheese.

Gluten-Free Option

Substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth is gluten-free. If needed, adjust the liquid-you may need to add a splash more broth as gluten-free pastas can absorb more.

Give It a Kick

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a gentle heat, or drizzle with hot sauce just before serving for a bolder punch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this One Pot French Onion Pasta alongside a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for freshness and crunch. For extra comfort, pair with warm, crusty bread to mop up any cheesy sauce left on your plate. A glass of dry white wine and a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top will make it feel like a cozy French bistro meal.

Storage and Reheating

Allow leftovers to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. While not ideal for freezing (the texture of the pasta and cheese may change), you can freeze portions for up to 1 month in a pinch-just thaw and reheat as above.

Frequently Asked Questions About One Pot French Onion Pasta (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Gruyère?

A: Absolutely! Swiss cheese, mozzarella, or a sharp white cheddar all work well. Use what you have and what you love.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A: Yes-caramelize the onions and prep the pasta ahead, then reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit more broth to keep it creamy.

Q: Is this recipe vegetarian?

A: As written with vegetable broth and vegetarian-friendly cheese, yes! Just double-check your cheese and broth labels to be sure.

This One Pot French Onion Pasta is pure comfort in a bowl-rich, cheesy, and so easy to make. I hope it brings a touch of French bistro magic to your table! If you try it, please leave a comment or a rating below. I can't wait to hear what you think!