Pin 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 recipe brings together the rich taste of Brie with the tartness of cranberries for a unique holiday dish that I enjoy cooking for family gatherings.
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 34 minutes.
- Step 4:
- Stir in chopped dried cranberries thyme black pepper and salt. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 23 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 23 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.
Pin This dish always brings smiles around the table and reminds me of cozy holiday celebrations with loved ones.
Notes
For a more savory flavor add a handful of baby spinach or arugula in step 5. Substitute walnuts with pecans or omit for nut-free. Brie rind can be left on for more flavor if preferred. 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.
Pin This festive pasta is perfect for holiday meals and entertaining guests with minimal fuss.
Recipe FAQ
- → What pasta types work best for this dish?
Short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or rigatoni hold the creamy sauce well and complement the textures in this dish.
- → Can I substitute the Brie cheese?
Camembert or a mild creamy cheese can replace Brie but retain a similar texture and flavor balance.
- → How do I ensure the sauce is smooth and creamy?
Slowly melt the Brie into the hot butter and cream mixture, stirring gently to create a silky sauce without lumps.
- → What’s the purpose of reserving pasta water?
Adding reserved pasta water helps adjust sauce consistency and allows the sauce to better coat the pasta.
- → How can I make the topping extra crunchy?
Toast panko breadcrumbs with butter over medium heat until golden, and include chopped toasted walnuts for added crunch.