Introduction

This Balsamic Onion & Goat’s Cheese Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. The sweet, caramelized onions paired with tangy goat’s cheese create a rich and creamy sauce that’s baked to golden perfection with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

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: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and cook the sliced onions slowly until they turn golden, 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 and caramelized.
Step 5: In a bowl, mix the double cream with the crumbled goat’s cheese and season with salt and black pepper.
Step 6: Combine the cooked pasta, caramelized onions, and cheese mixture in a baking dish, stirring gently to mix evenly.
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 cheese is golden and bubbling.
Step 9: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme if desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a nuttier flavor, try adding toasted pine nuts or walnuts before baking.
You can substitute the goat’s cheese with cream cheese or ricotta for a milder taste.
Adding a handful of fresh spinach or kale can give the bake a nutritious boost.
Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten intolerance.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 160°C (320°F) until warmed through, or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this pasta bake in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the dish a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Just bake it fresh when ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.

What can I use instead of double cream?

You can substitute double cream with full-fat milk combined with a tablespoon of butter for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich and creamy.

Balsamic Onion & Goat’s Cheese Pasta Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 75 reviews

A comforting and flavorful pasta bake featuring tender short pasta tossed with sweet, caramelized balsamic onions and creamy goat’s cheese, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan for a golden, bubbling finish.

Author: Zane
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: European
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

400g short pasta (fusilli or gemelli)

Onions & Sauce

2 large onions, thinly sliced
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & black pepper to taste

Cheese & Cream

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

Garnish

Fresh thyme (optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for baking the pasta dish.
Cook Pasta: Boil the short pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Caramelize Onions: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat and slowly cook the sliced onions for 15–20 minutes until they are golden and soft, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Add Balsamic Vinegar: Stir in the balsamic vinegar with the onions and cook for another 5 minutes until the mixture becomes sticky and flavorful.
Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the double cream and crumbled goat’s cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, mixing well until smooth.
Assemble Bake: Combine the cooked pasta, caramelized onions, and goat cheese cream mixture in a baking dish, stirring gently to evenly distribute ingredients.
Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the grated mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, golden, and bubbling.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired before serving warm.