Dinner

Balsamic Onion & Goat’s Cheese Pasta Bake Recipe

ByLily Cross February 24, 2026February 24, 2026

Introduction

This Balsamic Onion & Goat’s Cheese Pasta Bake is a comforting dish that combines sweet caramelized onions with creamy goat’s cheese and a cheesy crust. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner that’s both easy to prepare and full of flavor.

A brown oval dish filled with a baked pasta dish featuring short, yellow pasta mixed with browned, caramelized onions spread evenly throughout. Dollops of white ricotta cheese are scattered on top, slightly melting into the pasta. There are small green thyme leaves sprinkled over the dish for a touch of color. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a loose white cloth nearby, along with a wooden spoon and a garlic bulb. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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-low heat and cook the sliced onions slowly until 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, mix the double cream with the crumbled goat’s cheese, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 6: Combine the cooked pasta, balsamic onions, and cheese mixture in a baking dish and mix gently to combine.
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 desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra richness, add a handful of chopped walnuts or toasted pine nuts on top before baking.
You can swap double cream for crème fraîche for a tangier flavor.
If goat’s cheese isn’t your favorite, feta cheese is a good alternative that melts well.
Use fresh thyme leaves or even rosemary to vary the herb flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pasta bake in an oven-safe dish and warm in a 160°C (320°F) oven until heated through and bubbly again. You can also microwave portions, though the crust will lose its crispness.

How to Serve

The image shows a deep white ceramic oval dish filled with penne pasta cooked with a creamy sauce. The pasta is topped with many dollops of white ricotta cheese and spread roasted caramelized onion slices that have a brown and crispy texture. Small green sprigs of thyme are scattered across the top, adding a fresh touch. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a wooden spoon and some garlic and additional thyme nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if taking it straight from the fridge.

What type of pasta works best for this bake?

Short pasta shapes like fusilli, gemelli, penne, or rigatoni work best because they hold sauce and mix well with the onions and cheese.

Lily Cross