Save A creamy, festive pasta dish featuring melted Brie cheese, sweet-tart cranberries, and a buttery crumb topping, inspired by the flavors of holiday tartlets.
This dish reminds me of cozy holiday dinners where everyone gathers to enjoy comfort food with a gourmet twist.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) short pasta such as fusilli, penne, or rigatoni, 1 tbsp kosher salt for pasta water
- Sauce: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 garlic cloves minced, 200 g (7 oz) Brie cheese rind trimmed and cubed, 120 ml (½ cup) heavy cream, 60 ml (¼ cup) whole milk, 75 g (½ cup) dried cranberries chopped, 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves plus extra for garnish, ¼ tsp ground black pepper, ½ tsp kosher salt or to taste
- Tartlet-Inspired Topping: 40 g (⅓ cup) panko breadcrumbs, 1 tbsp unsalted butter, 30 g (¼ cup) chopped toasted walnuts optional
- Garnish: 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, additional dried cranberries optional
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 120 ml (½ cup) pasta water then drain pasta.
- Step 2:
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3:
- Add chopped Brie heavy cream and milk. Stir gently until the Brie melts and forms a smooth sauce about 3&4 minutes.
- Step 4:
- Stir in chopped dried cranberries thyme black pepper and salt. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2&3 minutes.
- Step 5:
- Add drained pasta to the sauce tossing to coat. If needed add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired sauce consistency.
- Step 6:
- For the topping In a small pan melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add panko breadcrumbs and walnuts if using and toast until golden about 2&3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Step 7:
- Serve pasta in bowls topped with buttery crumbs fresh parsley and extra cranberries if desired. Garnish with extra thyme.
Save This recipe often brings my family together during holidays when everyone enjoys a warm, comforting meal full of festive flavors.
Notes
For a more savory flavor add a handful of baby spinach or arugula in step 5. Pair with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, small pan, wooden spoon, chefs knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains Milk Brie cheese butter cream milk Wheat pasta panko Tree nuts walnuts optional Check ingredient labels if concerned about cross-contamination with nuts or gluten.
Save This creamy cranberry and Brie pasta is sure to impress at your next holiday gathering.
Recipe FAQ
- → What pasta types work best?
Short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or rigatoni hold the creamy sauce well and complement the texture of the breadcrumb topping.
- → How can I adjust tartness?
Adjust the amount of dried cranberries for desired sweetness and tartness. Adding fresh thyme also balances flavors.
- → Can I substitute walnuts?
Pecans or other toasted nuts can replace walnuts, or omit for a nut-free finish while retaining crunch with panko crumbs.
- → What is the best way to melt Brie?
Gently melt cubed Brie with cream and milk over medium heat, stirring constantly until smooth to create a luscious sauce.
- → How to prevent the sauce from thickening too much?
Reserve some pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce as needed, stirring it in gradually for perfect consistency.