One-Pot French Onion Chicken Pasta Bake

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Comforting baked pasta with tender chicken and caramelized onion sauce, topped with melted cheese. This australian-inspired chicken ready in about 65 minutes pairs large, thinly sliced yellow onions, olive oil, minced garlic cloves 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Australian cuisine 600 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat 3 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 large thinly sliced yellow onions and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized and soft.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Increase heat to medium-high, add 1 lb cut chicken thighs, season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp thyme leaves, and cook for 5-6 minutes until chicken is browned on all sides.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly. Add 2 cups chicken broth and 8 oz uncooked penne pasta, stirring to combine.
  4. Step 4: Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, or until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven, sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan evenly over the top. Return to oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Step 6: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot French Onion Chicken Pasta Bake take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (20 min prep + 45 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 French Onion Chicken Pasta Bake?

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 French Onion Chicken Pasta Bake?

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 French Onion Chicken Pasta Bake 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 French Onion Chicken Pasta Bake?

Australian chicken 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.

Related recipes