Save to Pinterest A creamy, festive pasta dish featuring melted Brie cheese, sweet-tart cranberries, and a buttery crumb topping inspired by the flavors of holiday tartlets.
I love serving this dish during the holidays because it brings festive flavors in a simple, satisfying pasta that everyone enjoys.
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 to Pinterest This dish always brings smiles to my family gatherings and has become a beloved holiday tradition.
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.
Nutritional Information
Calories 540, Total Fat 27 g, Carbohydrates 55 g, Protein 16 g per serving
Save to Pinterest This festive pasta is sure to impress your guests and bring a cozy feeling to your holiday table.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta works best?
Short pastas like fusilli, penne, or rigatoni hold the creamy sauce well and provide great texture contrast.
- → Can I substitute walnuts in the topping?
Yes, pecans or other toasted nuts make excellent alternatives, or omit nuts for a nut-free option.
- → How do I achieve the right sauce consistency?
Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce texture, adding a little at a time until smooth and creamy.
- → Is it important to remove Brie rind?
Removing rind creates a smoother sauce, but leaving it adds richer flavor if preferred.
- → What garnishes complement this dish?
Fresh parsley and thyme add brightness, while extra dried cranberries provide a sweet-tart finish.
- → Can I add greens to this dish?
Adding baby spinach or arugula adds freshness and a subtle peppery contrast to the creamy sauce.