1. Heat large heavy-bottom sauce pan over medium heat.

2. Add olive oil and butter; stir until butter is melted.

3. Add sliced onions; stir to coat in oil and butter.

4. Allow onions to cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes.

5. Add salt, pepper, thyme; stir.

6. Cook onions, stirring every 4 minutes and reducing heat if they brown too quickly, about 15 minutes or until well browned. They should resemble an onion jam.

7. When onions are browned and completely soft, add water and chicken broth; deglaze pan.

8. Add pasta to pan.

9. Return to medium heat and bring to a simmer.

10. Cover; simmer for 5 minutes.

11. Toss and stir the pasta for about 3 minutes.

12. Recover; simmer for another 5 minutes.

13. Check pasta to see if it's done; cook to taste.

14. Serve with parmesan cheese.