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French Onion Pasta Recipe (One-Pot Creamy Comfort)

French Onion Pasta Recipe (One-Pot Creamy Comfort)
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This French Onion Pasta is a pantry-friendly, budget-friendly ONE POT wonder that’s luxuriously creamy without heavy cream! The onions cook down into a rich, jammy caramelized base that gives the sauce deep, sweet flavor — balanced beautifully with Gruyere and Parmesan for that French onion soup comfort factor.

Ingredients

Scale

For The Caramelized Onions:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (⅛ inch)

  • ⅛ teaspoon salt

  • ⅛ teaspoon pepper

For The Sauce:

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

  • Pinch – ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce

  • 5 ½ cups water (or substitute beef broth and omit bouillon)

  • 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk

  • ½ tablespoon cornstarch

  • 2 tablespoons beef bouillon (granulated/base/cubes)

  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)

  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or ¾ tsp dried)

  • ½ teaspoon each: dried oregano, paprika, black pepper

Add Last:

  • 1 pound short pasta (orecchiette recommended)

  • 5 oz freshly shredded Gruyere cheese

  • ¼ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese

  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1️⃣ Caramelize the Onions

Heat butter and olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add onions, salt, and pepper.
Cook 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deep golden and caramelized.
→ Reduce heat if they begin to burn.

2️⃣ Build the Sauce

Add garlic, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, and Worcestershire.
Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

Pour in water and half the evaporated milk.
Whisk the cornstarch into the remaining evaporated milk, then add it in.

Bring to a boil, then stir in bouillon, herbs, and seasonings.

3️⃣ Cook the Pasta

Add uncooked pasta and reduce to a medium-high simmer.
Cook 20–25 minutes, stirring often, until al dente.
→ Add more water if needed. There should still be some saucy liquid left.

4️⃣ Make It Creamy

Remove from heat.
Stir in Gruyere a handful at a time until melted, then Parmesan.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Garnish with parsley and serve warm!

Notes

  • Let the onions caramelize fully — the deeper the color, the richer the dish.

  • Sauce too thick? Add a splash of water or milk.

  • Extra cheesy: Top with more Gruyere and broil 2–3 minutes.

  • Make ahead: Caramelize onions up to 2 days ahead to save time.

  • Try mushrooms, spinach, or beef broth only for a deeper French onion soup vibe.

Find it online: https://chocotune.com/french-onion-pasta-recipe-one-pot-creamy-comfort/