1 pound campanelle
4 slices (4 ounces) bacon, sliced crosswise 1 inch thick
4 medium red onions, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, plus more for serving
Coarse salt and ground pepper
4 ounces soft goat cheese
Cook pasta. Drain, reserving 2 cups pasta water; return pasta to pot.
Meanwhile, cook bacon in large skillet over medium, turning, until browned, 5 to 7 minutes; remove to a paper-towel-lined plate.
Add onions, garlic, and thyme to fat in skillet; season with salt and pepper. Cover; cook, stirring occasionally, until onions begin to brown, about 15 minutes. Uncover; cook until golden brown, 5 to 10 minutes more. Crumble goat cheese over pasta; add onion mixture and 1 cup reserved pasta water. Season with salt and pepper. Toss, adding more pasta water as desired.
Serve immediately, sprinkled with bacon and more thyme.