Pasta with Caramelized Onions and Spinach

If you have the patience to allow onions to caramelize, this dish is easy, affordable and absolutely delicious.  This has been a go-to meal that my whole family has loved for several years now.

Pasta with Caramelized Onions and Spinach
((Printable Recipe))

Ingredients:
3 large onions,  cut in half and thinly sliced (I used red, but any will do)
6 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, washed and dried
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 pound pasta (I used whole wheat)
salt and pepper to taste
parmesan cheese for topping

Directions:
1. In a large skillet heat the olive oil over medium heat.  Add the onions and a pinch of salt.  Stir to coat with the oil.  Lower the heat and cover without stirring for about 15 minutes.  Remove the lid and stir the onions. Continue cooking them over a medium low heat for about 30 minutes with the lid off, stirring occasionally.  When the onions begin to brown, add a few tablespoons of water and scrape up the brown bits with a wooden spoon.

2. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. When the onions are almost done, add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente.

3. As the pasta cooks, add the thyme, a few cracks of fresh pepper and the spinach. Stir the spinach around until it begins to wilt.

4. Drain the pasta and reserve a 1/2 cup of the cooking water.  Use this to thin the onions a little to make a nice sauce.  Return the pasta to the pot and drizzle with an extra tablespoon of olive oil then toss in the onion/spinach mixture. Thin with more pasta water as needed.  Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.