Balsamic Onion & Goat’s Cheese Pasta Bake Recipe

Introduction

This balsamic onion and goat’s cheese pasta bake is a comforting and indulgent dish that balances sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors. It’s perfect for cozy dinners and easy to share with friends and family. Simple ingredients come together to create a bubbling, golden delight that feels both special and homey.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Step 2: Boil the pasta until al dente, then drain it, reserving half a cup of pasta water.
3. Step 3: In a pan, heat olive oil over low heat and cook the onions slowly until golden, about 15–20 minutes. Stir every 5 minutes to avoid burning.
4. Step 4: Add the balsamic vinegar to the onions, stir well, and cook for another 5 minutes until the mixture becomes sticky and caramelized.
5. Step 5: In a bowl, mash the goat’s cheese with a fork, then mix in the double cream. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Step 6: Combine the cooked pasta, balsamic onions, and the cheese-cream mixture gently in a baking dish. Add reserved pasta water if the mixture seems thick.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle the grated mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling. If the cheese browns too quickly, tent with foil.
9. Step 9: Garnish with fresh thyme if desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For sweeter caramelized onions, add a pinch of sugar at the start of cooking.
• If you don’t have goat’s cheese, ricotta mixed with lemon zest makes a good substitute.
• Try adding 200g spicy Italian sausage browned with the onions for a meat lover’s version.
• Mix roasted mushrooms or spinach into the pasta for added veggies.
• Use gluten-free pasta and add 1 tsp of cornstarch to the cream mixture for a gluten-free bake.
• Swap thyme for oregano and include sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives for a Mediterranean twist.
• Let goat cheese sit at room temperature before mixing—it blends smoother that way.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For best texture, avoid freezing after baking, but you can freeze assembled and unbaked pasta. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake with an additional 5–10 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead?

Yes! Prepare everything up to combining in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add about 10 extra minutes to the cooking time to account for the cold dish.

Why is my sauce grainy?

This often happens if the goat cheese overheats or is mixed into cold cream straight from the fridge. Use room-temperature goat cheese and cream to help create a smooth sauce. Avoid overbaking to prevent the cheese from breaking.

Balsamic Onion & Goat’s Cheese Pasta Bake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 60 reviews

A comforting and indulgent pasta bake featuring caramelized balsamic onions and tangy goat’s cheese, baked with creamy double cream and topped with mozzarella and Parmesan for a golden, bubbling finish. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a hearty weeknight dinner.

• Author: Ella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta & Dairy

• 400g short pasta (fusilli or gemelli)
• 200g goat’s cheese, crumbled
• 200ml double cream
• 100g grated mozzarella
• 50g grated Parmesan

Vegetables & Seasonings

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

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) to get it ready for baking later.
2. Cook the pasta. Boil the short pasta until just al dente, then drain and set aside. Under-cooking slightly helps it finish cooking in the bake.
3. Caramelize the onions. Heat olive oil in a pan over low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly for 15–20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes until they turn golden and soft.
4. Add balsamic vinegar. Pour in the balsamic vinegar and stir to combine. Cook for another 5 minutes until the mixture becomes sticky and concentrated in flavor.
5. Prepare the cheese mixture. In a bowl, mash the goat’s cheese with a fork, then mix in the double cream. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Optionally, add a pinch of nutmeg for extra depth.
6. Combine ingredients. In a baking dish, gently fold together the cooked pasta, caramelized onions, and the cheese-cream mixture. Add reserved pasta water if the mixture looks too thick.
7. Add cheese toppings. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
8. Bake the pasta. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden, bubbly, and slightly crispy.
9. Garnish and serve. Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh thyme if desired. Serve warm, accompanied by a crisp salad or garlic bread.

Notes

• Rich source of calcium and protein due to generous cheese content.
• Slow cooking the onions is key to avoid bitterness and achieve jammy sweetness.
• Goat cheese should be at room temperature before mixing to avoid grainy sauce.
• Can be made a day ahead; cover and refrigerate after combining, then add extra baking time.
• Freeze before baking for best texture; thaw overnight and bake as directed.
• Variations include adding spicy sausage, mushrooms, or substituting goat cheese with ricotta or cream cheese.

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