One Pot French Onion Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto

Introduction

One Pot French Onion Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto is the perfect combination of comfort and sophistication. Imagine the sweet, caramelized flavor of French onion soup, blended with creamy pasta in a dish that requires only one pot—making cleanup a breeze! The richness of the soup-like sauce pairs beautifully with the creamy pasta, creating a dish that’s both hearty and indulgent.

What really takes this recipe over the top is the crispy prosciutto. It adds a delightful salty crunch that complements the softness of the pasta and the richness of the onions. Every bite is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, with the savory prosciutto elevating the dish to something truly special.

I love making this dish on weeknights when I want something comforting yet impressive. The best part? It’s quick and easy to prepare, which makes it a great option for busy evenings when you want a meal that feels fancy but doesn’t take all day. I’ve made it for dinner parties too, and it’s always a hit! Everyone is always surprised by how flavorful it is, especially considering it’s made in just one pot.

This One Pot French Onion Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto is a great way to bring the warmth of French onion soup into a pasta dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or an impressive dinner for friends.

Perfect for:

• Cozy weeknight meals
• Entertaining guests
• Pasta lovers craving a twist
• One-pot cooking enthusiasts
• Comfort food fanatics

Why You’ll Love This One Pot French Onion Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto

Here’s why One Pot French Onion Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto is a standout dish:

1. Rich and Savory Flavors: The caramelized onions bring a deep, sweet-savory flavor reminiscent of French onion soup, perfectly paired with creamy pasta.
2. Minimal Cleanup: This recipe is a one-pot wonder, meaning fewer dishes to clean and more time to enjoy your meal.
3. Elevated Comfort Food: It’s a cozy, satisfying dish that’s also sophisticated enough for dinner parties.
4. Crispy Prosciutto Perfection: The crispy prosciutto adds a delightful texture and salty kick, perfectly complementing the creamy pasta.
5. Effortlessly Impressive: With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a gourmet meal that will wow your family or guests.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 18g, Carbs: 55g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

To make this delicious One Pot French Onion Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto, you’ll need:

• 4 oz prosciutto slices
• 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth (optional, see notes)
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese as a substitute)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Caramelized Onions: These are the star of the dish, providing a sweet and savory depth that’s irresistible.
• Prosciutto: Adds a salty crunch that elevates the overall flavor profile.
• Gruyère Cheese: Offers a creamy, nutty richness that pairs beautifully with the onions.
• Pasta: Long noodles like fettuccine or linguine work best to capture the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Balances the flavors with a velvety texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to create your One Pot French Onion Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto:

Cook the Prosciutto:

1. Crisp the Prosciutto: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the prosciutto slices and cook until crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

Caramelize the Onions:

2. Heat Oil and Butter: In the same pot, add olive oil and butter. Once melted, add the sliced onions and sprinkle with sugar.
3. Caramelize Slowly: Cook the onions over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, for 20-25 minutes until golden and deeply caramelized.
4. Add Garlic and Thyme: Stir in the minced garlic and thyme, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Deglaze and Simmer:

5. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
6. Add Broth and Pasta: Add the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Stir in the pasta and reduce heat to a simmer.

Cook the Pasta:

7. Simmer Until Tender: Cook the pasta, stirring occasionally, until al dente and the liquid has reduced to a creamy sauce, about 10-12 minutes.

Finish the Dish:

8. Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, Gruyère cheese, and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and well combined. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
9. Top with Prosciutto: Break the crispy prosciutto into pieces and sprinkle over the pasta.

Serve and Garnish:

10. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately while hot.

How to Serve One Pot French Onion Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto

One Pot French Onion Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto is versatile and can be served in several delightful ways:

1. Family-Style: Serve straight from the pot for a rustic, casual meal.
2. Individual Bowls: Plate in individual bowls, topped with extra cheese and parsley for an elegant presentation.
3. With Garlic Bread: Pair with warm, crusty garlic bread for a complete meal.
4. As a Side Dish: Serve smaller portions as a luxurious side to grilled chicken or steak.
5. For Special Occasions: Present it in a large, decorative serving dish to impress at dinner parties.

Additional Tips One Pot French Onion Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto

Here are some tips to perfect your One Pot French Onion Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto:

1. Low and Slow for Onions: Take your time caramelizing the onions; the deep flavor is worth the effort.
2. Thinly Slice Onions: Evenly sliced onions will cook more uniformly, ensuring consistent caramelization.
3. Use High-Quality Cheese: Opt for freshly grated Gruyère and Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
4. Avoid Overcooking Pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta to prevent it from becoming mushy.
5. Crisp Prosciutto in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan when crisping prosciutto for maximum crunch.

Recipe Variations One Pot French Onion Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto

Explore these 10 variations to customize your dish:

1. Vegetarian Version: Skip the prosciutto and use vegetable broth for a meat-free option.
2. Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or chili oil for a spicy kick.
3. Mushroom Addition: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for added earthiness.
4. Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in a blend of cheeses like mozzarella or Fontina for extra creaminess.
5. Herb Infusion: Add rosemary or sage for a fragrant herbal note.
6. Lighter Option: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative.
7. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the broth is gluten-free.
8. Pancetta Swap: Substitute pancetta for prosciutto for a slightly different flavor profile.
9. White Wine Lovers: Use extra white wine in place of some broth for a tangy, wine-forward taste.
10. Garlic Lovers: Double the garlic for a bolder flavor.

Special Equipment One Pot French Onion Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto

Ensure you have these tools to make cooking One Pot French Onion Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto a breeze:

1. Large pot or Dutch oven
2. Sharp knife for slicing onions
3. Wooden spoon for stirring
4. Grater for cheeses
5. Tongs for handling prosciutto
6. Measuring cups and spoons
7. Heat-resistant spatula
8. Ladle for serving
9. Cutting board
10. Garlic press (optional)

FAQ Section One Pot French Onion Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   Yes, spaghetti, penne, or any pasta you have on hand works well. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
2. What if I don’t have Gruyère cheese?
   Substitute with Swiss cheese or mozzarella for a similar creamy texture.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
   This dish is best served fresh, but you can reheat leftovers with a splash of broth or cream.
4. How do I store leftovers?
   Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
5. Can I omit the cream?
   Yes, the dish will still be flavorful, but the sauce will be less creamy.

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Conclusion

one pot! The rich, savory sauce made from the caramelized onions and creamy ingredients clings to every noodle, while the crispy prosciutto adds a satisfying crunch. It’s a perfect balance of comforting, indulgent flavors without the fuss of multiple dishes to clean up afterward.

Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, One Pot French Onion Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto is sure to impress everyone at the table. The easy preparation and bold flavors make it a crowd-pleaser for all occasions, and it’s so simple to customize with your favorite herbs or additional toppings.

I’d love to hear how your version of this dish turns out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I can’t wait to see your delicious creation. Feel free to leave a comment and share how you made this recipe your own!