Bacon and Goat Cheese Rigatoni with Balsamic Onion and Green Goddess Salad

This rigatoni pasta dish is the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist. Crispy bacon, creamy goat cheese and sweet caramelized balsamic onions coat every tube of pasta in a rich, savory sauce. The tangy goat cheese cuts through the creaminess, while the fresh green goddess salad on the side adds a bright, herbaceous contrast.

Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients. The combination of textures and flavors-crunchy bacon, tender pasta, creamy sauce and crisp salad-will make this a new favorite in your rotation.

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Ingredients

6 ounce Rigatoni PastaView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

8 ounce BaconView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit OnionView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

5 teaspoon Balsamic VinegarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Chicken Stock ConcentrateView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce Cream Sauce BaseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce Mixed GreensView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 clove GarlicView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Mini CucumberView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 ounce Green Goddess DressingView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 ounce ChivesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 ounce Goat CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon (tsp) Olive OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon (tsp) Cooking OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon (tbsp) ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, wash and dry all produce. Halve, peel and thinly slice the onion. Peel and finely chop the garlic. Thinly slice the chives. Trim and thinly slice the cucumber. Crumble the goat cheese.
2. Once the water is boiling, add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, 9-11 minutes, stirring occasionally. Reserve ⅓ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
3. While the pasta cooks, heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned, 8-10 minutes. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons of water (4 tablespoons for 4 servings). Cook, stirring, until caramelized and jammy, 2-3 minutes more. Transfer the onion to a small bowl and wipe out the pan.
4. Heat the same pan over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook, turning occasionally, until crispy, 6-10 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate. Carefully discard the bacon grease, wipe out the pan and let it cool slightly. Once the bacon is cool enough to handle, roughly chop it.
5. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter (4 tablespoons for 4 servings) in the pan used for bacon over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the cream sauce base, chicken stock concentrate and reserved pasta cooking water. Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, 1-2 minutes. Add the drained rigatoni, caramelized onion, chopped bacon and half the chives. Toss to combine and season with salt and pepper.
6. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced cucumber, green goddess dressing, a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Divide the rigatoni between bowls, top with crumbled goat cheese and the remaining chives. Serve the salad on the side.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, ziti or fusilli works well. Adjust cooking time according to package directions.

How do I make this dish vegetarian?

Omit the bacon and use a vegetable stock concentrate instead of chicken. Add sautéed mushrooms for a savory boost.

Can I prepare the salad ahead of time?

You can wash and dry the greens and slice the cucumber in advance, but dress the salad just before serving to keep it crisp.