One Pot French Onion Pasta

$- 12 oz fettuccine pasta - 2 large onions, thinly sliced - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese (plus extra for topping) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh) - 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - A large pot or deep skillet - A wooden spoon for stirring - A sharp knife for slicing onions - A cutting board - Measuring cups and spoons Gathering all these ingredients sets you up for a tasty dish. The fettuccine pasta is the base, while the onions bring sweetness. Garlic adds depth. Gruyère cheese makes it creamy and rich. Olive oil helps caramelize the onions. Thyme and balsamic vinegar elevate the flavors. Salt and pepper are key for seasoning. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. To cook, you need a large pot or deep skillet. A wooden spoon helps mix everything well. A sharp knife and cutting board make slicing easy. Measuring cups and spoons ensure you use just the right amounts. With these tools, you’ll create a wonderful meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating olive oil in a large pot. Use medium heat for this step. Add the thinly sliced onions. Stir them every few minutes. You want them to cook for about 10 to 15 minutes. Watch as they turn golden brown and soft. This brings out their sweet flavor. After the onions caramelize, add the minced garlic. Cook for two more minutes. The aroma will be amazing! Next, pour in the vegetable broth. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the fettuccine pasta. Make sure it is well submerged. Toss in thyme and balsamic vinegar. Stir everything together to combine. Cover the pot and let it cook. This takes about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is al dente. Most of the broth should be absorbed by now. Now it's time to make the dish rich and creamy. Reduce the heat to low. Slowly stir in the heavy cream. Then add the grated Gruyère cheese. Mix until everything melts together. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of broth. Taste and season with salt and pepper. You'll find the perfect balance! Serve hot, topped with extra cheese and fresh parsley. Enjoy every creamy bite! To get sweet, golden onions, slice them thinly. Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add the onions and stir. Cook them on medium heat for 10-15 minutes. Stir often to avoid burning. If they start to stick, lower the heat. Caramelization brings out their natural sweetness. Don’t rush this step; it makes the dish shine. Taste is key in cooking. After you mix in the cream and cheese, try it. Add salt and pepper based on what you like. If you want more flavor, add a bit more thyme or balsamic vinegar. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes for heat. Make it your own! This pasta is perfect for meal prep. You can cook it a day before. Just follow the recipe and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat it gently on low heat. If it seems dry, add a splash of broth or cream. Enjoy your tasty pasta anytime! Pro Tips Caramelization is Key: Take your time with the onions. The deeper the caramelization, the richer the flavor of your pasta. Cheese Choice Matters: While Gruyère is traditional, feel free to mix with other cheeses like Fontina or Parmesan for a unique flavor. Texture Tips: For a creamier texture, reserve a bit of pasta cooking water to add if the dish becomes too thick. Herb Enhancement: Add fresh thyme or rosemary at the end for an aromatic finish that complements the dish beautifully. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Skip the heavy cream and use plant milk. Almond or oat milk works well here. For a vegan option, swap Gruyère cheese for vegan cheese. There are many brands that melt nicely. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Just mix it in before serving for extra taste. Gruyère cheese gives this dish a rich taste. However, you can try other cheeses. Mozzarella melts well and adds creaminess. Cheddar offers a sharp flavor that can spice things up. For a bold kick, use blue cheese or goat cheese. Each cheese brings a new twist, so feel free to experiment! Boost this meal by adding protein. Grilled chicken or shrimp pairs well with the pasta. For a meat-free option, add chickpeas or lentils. They will add texture and keep you full. You can also mix in veggies like spinach or bell peppers. These add color and nutrients, making this dish even better! To keep your leftover One Pot French Onion Pasta fresh, first let it cool down. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure to seal it tightly. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This helps keep the flavors intact. When reheating, add a splash of vegetable broth or cream. This will help bring back the creamy texture. Heat it gently on the stove over low heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. You can also use a microwave. Just cover the bowl and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. To freeze, place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned before for the best taste. You can use several types of pasta. Penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti work well. Each type gives a different twist. If you want a twist, try egg noodles. They add a nice texture. Yes, you can use water. But, it will lack flavor. Broth adds depth and richness. If you don't have broth, consider using a mix of water and a seasoning cube. This option will enhance the taste a bit. To make this dish gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer options that taste great. Check the package for cooking times, as they can differ. Also, ensure the vegetable broth is gluten-free. Serve this pasta with a simple salad. A green salad with fresh veggies pairs well. You can also try garlic bread for a comforting side. For a heartier meal, consider roasted vegetables. The One Pot French Onion Pasta is a simple, tasty dish. We explored the key ingredients, ways to enhance flavors, and tools you'll need. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for perfecting your pasta, and variations to suit your taste. Don't forget storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. Remember, this dish can fit vegetarian and vegan diets too. You now have all the tools to create a delicious meal. Enjoy the cooking process and savor every bite!$

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish inspired by classic French onion soup, all made in one pot.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine French

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

12 oz fettuccine pasta
2 large onions, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Gruyère cheese (plus extra for topping)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for about 10-15 minutes until they become caramelized and golden brown, stirring occasionally.
Once the onions are caramelized, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Add the fettuccine pasta, thyme, and balsamic vinegar. Stir everything together, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream and Gruyère cheese until melted and creamy. If the pasta seems too dry, feel free to add a splash more vegetable broth.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary.
Serve hot, topped with extra Gruyère cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish.

Notes

Garnish each serving with additional grated Gruyère and a sprinkle of chopped parsley on top for added color and flavor. Serve in shallow bowls to show off the creamy texture of the pasta.

Keyword creamy, French onion, one-pot, pasta, vegetarian