Save to Pinterest A luxurious pasta dish featuring creamy baked Brie, sweet-tart cranberries, and toasted walnuts for a festive twist on comfort food.
I first served this rich and comforting pasta at a family gathering, and it quickly became a holiday favorite for everyone.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) short pasta (such as penne or fusilli), 1 tbsp olive oil, Salt for pasta water
- Cheese & Cranberry: 200 g (7 oz) Brie cheese rind removed and cut into cubes, 100 g (3.5 oz) fresh or frozen cranberries, 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan option), 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish), 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Nuts & Garnish: 50 g (1/3 cup) walnuts roughly chopped, 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, Zest of 1 orange (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Step 2:
- Cook the pasta in generously salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Step 3:
- While the pasta cooks place the Brie cubes in a small baking dish. Scatter cranberries on top drizzle with honey sprinkle with thyme and black pepper.
- Step 4:
- Bake for 1215 minutes until the Brie is melted and bubbling and cranberries are soft.
- Step 5:
- Meanwhile toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 23 minutes until fragrant. Set aside.
- Step 6:
- Place the drained pasta in a large bowl. Pour the baked Brie and cranberry mixture over the pasta add a splash of reserved pasta water and toss gently until coated and creamy.
- Step 7:
- Stir in half the toasted walnuts and parsley.
- Step 8:
- Serve immediately garnished with remaining walnuts parsley and orange zest if desired.
Save to Pinterest This dish has been a staple during our holiday dinners bringing warmth and joy to the table every year.
Notes
For extra flavor add a handful of baby spinach or arugula when tossing the pasta. Substitute dried cranberries if fresh or frozen are unavailable reduce honey to 1 tbsp. For a vegan version use vegan Brie-style cheese and maple syrup.
Required Tools
Large pot Baking dish Skillet Mixing bowl Zester (optional)
Allergen Information
Contains milk (Brie cheese) nuts (walnuts) and gluten (pasta). For gluten-free use certified gluten-free pasta. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Save to Pinterest This dish balances sweet and savory flavors perfectly making it an effortless crowd-pleaser.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute Brie with another cheese?
Soft cheeses like Camembert or a mild goat cheese can replace Brie, maintaining creaminess and meltability.
- → What pasta types work best here?
Short pasta such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni holds the sauce well and pairs nicely with the creamy and fruity elements.
- → How can I make this dish vegan?
Use a plant-based Brie alternative and swap honey for maple syrup to keep the flavor balanced and vegan-friendly.
- → Can dried cranberries be used instead of fresh?
Dried cranberries work well; reduce sweetener slightly to avoid overpowering the natural tartness.
- → What nuts can replace walnuts?
Pecans or almonds toasted lightly can provide a similar crunchy texture and complement the flavors.
- → Is there a recommended wine pairing?
A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir pairs well with the creamy and tangy notes.