Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Made in one pot for easy cleanup.
Combines the comfort of French onion soup with creamy pasta.
Uses simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients.
Customizable with vegetable or beef broth.
Perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors.

One Pot French Onion Pasta

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1/4 cup olive oil
3 yellow onions, thinly sliced
4 garlic cloves, minced
8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
1 tbsp fresh thyme
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 tbsp all purpose flour
2 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)
2 cups water
12 oz dried orecchiette or other short cut pasta
1 tbsp sherry vinegar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fresh herbs and toasted breadcrumbs for serving (optional)

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring often, until deeply caramelized, about 25–30 minutes.
Stir in garlic, mushrooms, and thyme. Cook for 3–4 minutes, until mushrooms begin to soften.
Deglaze with white wine and add flour, cooking for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Pour in broth and water, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a boil.
Add pasta and cook for 8–10 minutes, or until al dente.
Remove from heat and stir in sherry vinegar.
Garnish with fresh herbs and toasted breadcrumbs if desired. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

Swap orecchiette with penne, rigatoni, or fusilli.
Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Add Gruyère or Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
Stir in spinach or kale for added greens.
Use balsamic vinegar instead of sherry vinegar for a slightly sweeter finish.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
Avoid freezing, as the texture of the pasta and onions may not hold up well.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply swap beef broth with vegetable broth.

What kind of pasta works best?

Short-cut pastas like orecchiette, penne, or rigatoni work best to hold the sauce.

Do I have to use wine?

No, you can skip the wine and use extra broth instead.

Can I add cheese to this dish?

Yes, Gruyère or Parmesan pairs beautifully with the flavors.

How do I know when the onions are properly caramelized?

They should be soft, golden brown, and sweet in flavor, which takes about 25–30 minutes.

Can I use red onions instead of yellow?

Yellow onions work best for caramelization, but red onions can add a slightly different flavor.

Is this recipe meal-prep friendly?

Yes, it stores well for up to 3 days and reheats easily on the stove.

What can I serve with this pasta?

A simple green salad or garlic bread makes a great side.

Can I add protein to this recipe?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken, sausage, or even lentils can be added.

How do I keep the pasta from sticking when reheating?

Add a splash of broth or water while reheating to loosen the sauce.

Conclusion

This One Pot French Onion Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining the deep, savory flavor of caramelized onions with creamy pasta in a dish that’s both hearty and elegant. Perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for guests, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Lily