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 pasta always brings a cozy holiday feeling to our table and has become a family favorite during the festive season.
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.
Save My family cherishes making this dish together as it brings warmth and togetherness especially during the holiday seasons.
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 festive pasta recipe is sure to impress and is simple enough to recreate any time you want a special meal.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What pasta works best for this dish?
Short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or rigatoni hold the creamy Brie sauce well and pair nicely with the crumb topping.
- → Can I substitute the walnuts in the topping?
Yes, you may use pecans or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free option. The buttery panko still provides a lovely crunch.
- → How can I adjust the sauce consistency?
Reserve some pasta water when boiling and add gradually to the sauce to achieve a smooth, creamy texture that coats the pasta evenly.
- → Is it necessary to remove the Brie rind?
Removing the rind creates a smoother sauce, but leaving it on adds extra flavor and richness if you prefer.
- → What herbs complement this flavor profile?
Fresh thyme leaves are used in the sauce and garnish to brighten the rich Brie and cranberry notes with subtle earthiness.
- → Can I add greens to the dish?
Yes, stirring in baby spinach or arugula at the end adds color and a fresh, slightly peppery element that balances the creamy sauce.