Introduction

This Balsamic Onion & Goat’s Cheese Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of caramelized onions with creamy goat’s cheese and a cheesy topping. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner and easy enough to prepare on a weeknight.

Balsamic Onion & Goat's Cheese Pasta Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

400g short pasta (fusilli or gemelli work great)
2 large onions, thinly sliced
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
200g goat’s cheese, crumbled
200ml double cream
100g grated mozzarella
50g grated Parmesan
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & black pepper to taste
Fresh thyme (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Step 2: Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Step 3: In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and cook the sliced onions slowly until they are golden and soft, about 15–20 minutes.
Step 4: Add the balsamic vinegar to the onions, stir well, and cook for another 5 minutes until the mixture becomes sticky.
Step 5: In a bowl, combine the double cream and crumbled goat’s cheese, seasoning with salt and black pepper.
Step 6: Mix the cooked pasta and balsamic onions with the cheese and cream mixture, then transfer everything into a baking dish.
Step 7: Sprinkle the grated mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling.
Step 9: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme if you like before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use goat cheese with herbs for extra flavor, or swap it for cream cheese if you prefer a milder taste.
Add a handful of baby spinach or roasted cherry tomatoes to the pasta mixture for added color and nutrition.
For a crunchy topping, sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking.
If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme or rosemary also complement this dish well.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 160°C (320°F) until hot and bubbly again, or microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this bake?

Yes, short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle work well too. Just make sure to cook them al dente before baking.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the dish up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Balsamic Onion & Goat’s Cheese Pasta Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 100 reviews

A comforting and flavorful pasta bake featuring tender balsamic caramelized onions and creamy goat’s cheese, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan for a golden, bubbly finish. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a make-ahead meal.

Author: Dana
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

400g short pasta (fusilli or gemelli work great)

Onion Mixture

2 large onions, thinly sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Salt & black pepper to taste
Fresh thyme (optional)

Cheese Mixture

200g goat’s cheese, crumbled
200ml double cream
100g grated mozzarella
50g grated Parmesan

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) to get it ready for baking the pasta dish later.
Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain it well and set aside.
Caramelize Onions: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they become golden and soft, about 15 to 20 minutes.
Add Balsamic Vinegar: Stir in the balsamic vinegar with the onions and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the onion mixture is sticky and well coated.
Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the double cream and crumbled goat’s cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, mixing until smooth.
Combine Ingredients: Mix the cooked pasta and caramelized onions with the goat cheese and cream mixture. Transfer everything into a baking dish, spreading evenly.
Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle fresh thyme over the top if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

You can substitute goat’s cheese with feta or cream cheese if preferred.
For a stronger onion flavor, cook the onions a bit longer to deepen their caramelization.
If you want a lighter version, substitute double cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative.
This dish reheats well and can be made ahead of time for convenience.
Adding fresh herbs like thyme at the end enhances the aroma and visual appeal.

Keywords: balsamic onion pasta bake, goat cheese pasta, baked pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta bake, comfort food pasta