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 recipe quickly became a holiday favorite in my home because it combines comforting pasta with unique tartlet flavors that wow guests every time
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 dish always brings my family together around the table, sparking conversations about holiday memories and new traditions
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 is perfect for holiday dinners or anytime you want a comforting and elegant meal
Recipe FAQ
- → What pasta works best for this dish?
Short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or rigatoni hold the creamy sauce well and complement the crumb topping perfectly.
- → Can I substitute the walnuts in the topping?
Yes, pecans or other nuts can be used, or omitted entirely for a nut-free version without losing the buttery crunch.
- → How do I ensure the Brie melts smoothly into the sauce?
Simmer Brie gently with cream and milk over low heat, stirring frequently until fully melted and silky.
- → What adds the tart flavor to this pasta?
Dried cranberries provide a sweet-tart contrast that brightens the creamy Brie sauce.
- → Can I add greens to the dish?
Adding baby spinach or arugula when combining pasta and sauce offers a fresh, savory note that complements the other flavors.