Name: Sour Cream and Onion Pasta
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 1⁄4 teaspoons table salt, divided, plus salt for cooking pasta; 12 ounces cavatappi; 8 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 1⁄2 onions, sliced thin (1½ cups); 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 cup sour cream; 1/3 cup minced fresh chives; 1 1⁄2 cups crushed kettle-style potato chips

Why This Recipe Works

Sautéed onions, fresh chives, and onion powder provided a triple dose of onion flavor to this creamy pasta.

Before You Begin

You can substitute any short pasta for the cavatappi, such as penne or rotini. This pasta dish is rich; you can lighten the meal by serving it with a green salad.

Instructions

Adjust oven rack 8 inches from broiler element and heat broiler. Bring 4 quarts water to boil in large pot. Add 1 tablespoon salt and pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 1 cup cooking water, then drain pasta.

Meanwhile, melt butter in 12-inch broiler-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and 1 teaspoon salt and cook until onions are softened and beginning to brown, 10 to 12 minutes.

Add garlic, flour, and onion powder and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in reserved cooking water and bring to simmer. Off heat, stir in sour cream, chives, and remaining ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir in pasta. Sprinkle with chips. Broil until browned, 30 to 60 seconds. Serve.