Pretty-Pretty Penne

Ingredients

• 1 (16-ounce) package penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, halved and thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, minced, can substitute 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, minced, can substitute 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups half-and-half, divided
• 1/2 cup white wine, can substitute reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, shredded, divided
• fresh basil leaves, optional, to taste, for garnish