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 instantly became a family favorite during the holidays and never fails to impress guests with its unique tartlet-inspired flavors.
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 Sharing this pasta around the table always brings smiles and sparks conversations about favorite holiday dishes.
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
Nutritional Information
Calories 540, Total Fat 27 g, Carbohydrates 55 g, Protein 16 g per serving
Save This elegant twist on pasta makes holiday meals extra special and is sure to impress your guests.
Cooking Questions & Answers
- → What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or rigatoni hold the creamy sauce well, allowing each bite to capture the flavors.
- → Can I substitute walnuts in the crumb topping?
Yes, pecans can be used as an alternative, or you may omit nuts entirely if preferred or necessary.
- → Is the Brie rind removed for this dish?
The rind can be trimmed for a milder taste, but leaving it on adds extra depth and richness to the sauce.
- → How do I achieve the crispy buttery crumb topping?
Toast panko breadcrumbs in melted butter over medium heat until golden, optionally adding chopped toasted nuts for extra texture.
- → Can fresh herbs besides thyme be used?
Fresh thyme is key for aroma, but parsley is suggested for garnish. Additional herbs like rosemary or sage should be used sparingly.
- → How can I adjust the sauce consistency?
Reserve some pasta cooking water to add gradually to the sauce, achieving a smooth and coating texture without thinning too much.