One-Pot Creamy French Onion Chicken Pasta
A comforting one-pot pasta dish combining tender chicken, caramelized onions, and a creamy sauce infused with rich beef broth and melted cheese. This australian-inspired pasta ready in about 55 minutes pairs diced into 1-inch cubes chicken breasts, medium, thinly sliced yellow onions, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 600 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces, diced into 1-inch cubes chicken breasts
- 2 medium, thinly sliced yellow onions
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup whole milk milk
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) penne pasta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp leaves, chopped fresh thyme
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add 2 thinly sliced medium yellow onions and 1 tsp salt, cooking for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are deep golden and caramelized.
- Step 2: Push onions to the side and add 2 diced chicken breasts (1-inch cubes) to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned on all sides.
- Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp butter, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Sprinkle 1 tbsp all-purpose flour over the chicken and onions, stir well to coat and cook for 2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
- Step 5: Pour in 2 cups beef broth and 1 cup whole milk gradually while stirring to prevent lumps.
- Step 6: Add 8 oz penne pasta, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
- Step 8: Serve hot garnished with extra thyme if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Creamy French Onion Chicken Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Creamy French Onion Chicken Pasta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Creamy French Onion Chicken Pasta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Creamy French Onion Chicken Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Pot Creamy French Onion Chicken Pasta?
Australian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
