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 quickly became a holiday favorite in my family because of its unique combination of sweet cranberries and savory Brie.
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 brings warmth and festive joy to our family gatherings every holiday season.
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 (per serving)
Calories 540 Total Fat 27 g Carbohydrates 55 g Protein 16 g
Save This tartlet pasta is perfect for a quick festive meal that feels special and comforting.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, short pasta like fusilli, penne, or rigatoni works best to hold the creamy sauce and crumb topping.
- → What can I substitute for walnuts in the topping?
Pecans or other toasted nuts are great alternatives, or you can omit nuts altogether for a nut-free option.
- → Is it necessary to remove the Brie rind?
Removing the rind is optional; leaving it on enhances the flavor and texture of the sauce.
- → How do I adjust the sauce consistency?
Add reserved pasta water gradually to the sauce while tossing the pasta until the desired creamy consistency is reached.
- → Can I add greens to this dish?
Yes, stirring in baby spinach or arugula at the end adds freshness and a slight peppery bite.
- → What herbs complement this pasta best?
Fresh thyme is used for its subtle earthiness, and parsley adds a bright, fresh finish.