Balsamic Onion & Goat’s Cheese Pasta Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Balsamic Onion & Goat’s Cheese Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Combining sweet caramelized onions with tangy goat’s cheese and rich cream, it delivers a creamy, cheesy bake with a deliciously sticky balsamic twist.

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 in salted water until al dente, then drain well.
3. Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat, then add the sliced onions. Cook slowly for 15–20 minutes until the onions are golden and soft.
4. Step 4: Stir in the balsamic vinegar and cook for another 5 minutes until the mixture becomes sticky and caramelized.
5. Step 5: In a bowl, combine the double cream and crumbled goat’s cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, mixing until smooth.
6. Step 6: Toss the cooked pasta and balsamic onions with the cheese and cream mixture, then transfer everything into a baking dish.
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 cheese is golden and bubbling.
9. Step 9: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme if desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth, add a pinch of chili flakes when cooking the onions to introduce a subtle heat.
• You can substitute goat’s cheese with feta for a slightly different flavor and texture.
• Use gluten-free pasta if you want to make this dish gluten-free.
• Fresh herbs like rosemary or sage can be used instead of thyme to change the aromatic profile.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven until warmed through. Avoid overheating to prevent the cheese from separating.

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 ahead of time and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold.

What type of pasta works best for this bake?

Short pasta shapes like fusilli, gemelli, or penne hold the sauce well and maintain a nice texture after baking.

Balsamic Onion & Goat’s Cheese Pasta Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 60 reviews

This Balsamic Onion & Goat’s Cheese Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful baked dish perfect for a cozy dinner. Tender pasta is combined with sweet, sticky balsamic caramelized onions and a creamy goat’s cheese mixture, then topped with mozzarella and Parmesan for a golden, bubbling finish. Enhanced with fresh thyme, this recipe balances tangy, savory, and creamy notes for a delicious vegetarian meal.

• Author: Lara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 400g short pasta (fusilli or gemelli work great)

Onions and Sauce

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

Cheese Mixture

• 200g goat’s cheese, crumbled
• 200ml double cream

Topping

• 100g grated mozzarella
• 50g grated Parmesan

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for baking the pasta dish later.
2. Cook pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. Caramelize onions: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat and cook the thinly sliced onions slowly for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden and soft.
4. Add balsamic vinegar: Stir in the balsamic vinegar with the onions and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the mixture becomes sticky and caramelized.
5. Prepare cheese mixture: In a bowl, combine the double cream and crumbled goat’s cheese, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix until smooth and creamy.
6. Combine ingredients: In a baking dish, mix the cooked pasta, caramelized onions, and the goat cheese cream mixture evenly to ensure all components are well incorporated.
7. Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture for a golden crust.
8. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese topping is golden brown and bubbling.
9. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme if desired before serving warm.

Notes

• Cooking the onions slowly is essential to extract their full sweetness and achieve the sticky balsamic glaze.
• You can substitute goat’s cheese with cream cheese or ricotta for a milder flavor.
• Use gluten-free pasta if you want to make this dish gluten-free.
• The dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: balsamic onion pasta bake, goat cheese pasta, baked pasta, vegetarian pasta dish, easy dinner recipe