Dinner

Balsamic Onion & Goat’s Cheese Pasta Bake Recipe

ByZoe Lane February 24, 2026February 24, 2026

Introduction

This Balsamic Onion & Goat’s Cheese Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines sweet, caramelized onions with creamy goat’s cheese and tangy balsamic vinegar. It’s an easy recipe perfect for a cozy dinner or feeding a crowd.

This image shows a brown oval ceramic bowl filled with pasta that looks like penne or ziti. The pasta is covered with a mix of caramelized onions, giving a golden-brown and slightly dark texture on top. Dollops of white, soft cheese are spread across the pasta evenly, adding a creamy contrast to the dish. A few small green herb sprigs, likely thyme, are placed on top to add color and freshness. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, with a garlic bulb and more herbs nearby. 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 olive oil over medium-low heat and cook the onions slowly until golden and soft, about 15–20 minutes.
Step 4: Add 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 with the crumbled goat’s cheese, seasoning with salt and black pepper.
Step 6: Mix the cooked pasta and caramelized onions with the cheese and cream mixture, then transfer everything to 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 desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, use a mix of goat’s cheese and cream cheese in the cheese mixture.
Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra texture and nutrients.
Use dried herbs like oregano or rosemary if fresh thyme isn’t available.
To make it vegetarian, double-check the Parmesan cheese is suitable or use a vegetarian alternative.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 160°C (320°F) until heated through. Avoid reheating multiple times for the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl filled with cooked pasta mixed with browned caramelized onions, topped with dollops of white soft cheese scattered evenly across the surface. Small fresh green herb sprigs, likely thyme, are placed on top for garnish. The pasta is golden yellow with a slightly glossy texture from the sauce, and the browned onions add rich dark brown accents. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and there are cloves of garlic and a spoon placed nearby in soft focus. The lighting highlights the textures and colors of the dish, making it look warm and appetizing. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the pasta bake 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 straight from the fridge.