Name: One Pot Creamy French Onion Pasta Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: French-inspired
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons butter; 2–3 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced; 2 teaspoons honey; 1 cup dry red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or similar); 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated; 2 cups cremini or wild mushrooms, sliced; 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (or 2 teaspoons dried thyme); Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste; 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (use vegetable broth if vegetarian); 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (use soy sauce if vegetarian); 2 bay leaves; 1 pound short-cut pasta of your choice; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, more or less to taste; 1 1/4 cups heavy cream, whole milk, or canned coconut milk; 1/3 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese (optional); 2 cups shredded gruyere cheese

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this dish because it’s a one-pot wonder with layers of flavor. Caramelized onions provide sweetness, while red wine and thyme add depth. Mushrooms bring earthiness, and the creamy cheese sauce ties everything together. With gruyere and gorgonzola, the pasta is gooey, cheesy, and comforting ideal for feeding a family or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

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

4 tablespoons butter
2–3 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons honey
1 cup dry red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon
2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
2 cups cremini or wild mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (or 2 teaspoons dried thyme)
Kosher salt and black pepper
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (use vegetable broth if vegetarian)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (use soy sauce if vegetarian)
2 bay leaves
1 pound of your favorite short-cut pasta
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, more or less to taste
1 1/4 cups heavy cream, whole milk, or canned coconut milk
1/3 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese (optional)
2 cups shredded gruyere cheese

Directions

In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and cook slowly, stirring often, until golden and caramelized, about 20 minutes. Stir in honey.
Pour in red wine and simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly. Add garlic, mushrooms, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook another 5 minutes.
Stir in chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, pasta, and cayenne. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is just al dente, about 8–10 minutes.
Stir in cream and remove bay leaves. Mix in gorgonzola (if using) and half of the gruyere until melted and creamy.
Sprinkle the remaining gruyere over the top. Transfer the pot to the oven and broil for 2–3 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve hot, garnished with extra thyme if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

Substitute gruyere with mozzarella or Swiss for a more mild flavor.
Skip the gorgonzola if you prefer a less sharp taste.
Add spinach or kale for extra greens.
Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken for added protein.
Make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth and soy sauce instead of Worcestershire.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until warmed through. If frozen, store up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this without wine?

Yes, substitute the wine with additional broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.

Do I need to caramelize the onions fully?

Yes, taking time to caramelize them adds sweetness and depth to the dish.

What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli holds the sauce best.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use coconut milk or almond cream, and substitute with dairy-free cheese.

What if I don’t like gorgonzola?

You can omit it or use more gruyere or mozzarella.

How do I make it spicier?

Increase cayenne pepper or add crushed red pepper flakes.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the pasta and sauce, then refrigerate. Bake and broil just before serving.

What side dishes go well with this?

A crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread pair wonderfully.

Can I use dried mushrooms instead of fresh?

Yes, rehydrate dried mushrooms in hot water, then add them with the onions.

How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?

Cook only until al dente before baking, as it will continue cooking slightly in the sauce.

Conclusion

One Pot Creamy French Onion Pasta Bake is rich, cheesy, and full of deep, comforting flavors. With caramelized onions, red wine, thyme, and gooey melted cheese, it’s a dish that feels indulgent yet is easy to prepare in a single pot. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this pasta bake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.