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.
This pasta reminds me of cozy holiday gatherings with family where everyone enjoys a comforting and elegant meal.
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 to 4 minutes.
- Step 4:
- Stir in chopped dried cranberries, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 to 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 to 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 recipe brings back warm family moments especially during the holidays when everyone gathers around for a special meal.
Notes
For a more savory flavor add a handful of baby spinach or arugula in step 5. Substitute walnuts with pecans or omit for nut-free. Brie rind can be left on for more flavor if preferred. 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 to Pinterest This tartlet pasta is a perfect balance of creamy and tart flavors that delights every palate.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or rigatoni hold the creamy sauce well and provide a satisfying bite.
- → Can I substitute the Brie cheese with another cheese?
Soft cheeses that melt smoothly, such as Camembert or creamy goat cheese, can be used as alternatives, though Brie offers a distinctive flavor balance with cranberries.
- → How should the crumb topping be prepared?
Toast panko breadcrumbs in butter until golden and optionally include chopped toasted walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
- → Is there a way to adjust the sauce consistency?
Adding reserved pasta water gradually helps achieve a silky, coat-worthy sauce without thinning it out too much.
- → What herbs complement the flavors in this dish?
Fresh thyme is used in the sauce and as garnish, providing an earthy aroma that pairs beautifully with Brie and cranberries.
- → Can this dish be made nut-free?
Yes, simply omit the toasted walnuts from the crumb topping to avoid tree nuts without compromising texture too much.