Save This dish combines tender short pasta with creamy baked Brie and sweet-tart cranberries, enhanced by toasted walnuts and fresh herbs. The Brie melts to a rich creaminess that coats the pasta, while the cranberries add bright bursts of flavor. Toasted walnuts bring a satisfying crunch and a warm nutty aroma. A touch of honey and fresh thyme balances the flavors, finishing with an optional orange zest garnish for a zesty note. Perfect for a quick, flavorful main.
Preparation involves baking Brie with cranberries until melted and soft, cooking pasta al dente, then tossing all components together with reserved pasta water and fresh parsley. The result is a harmonious blend of textures and seasonal tastes in a simple yet elegant dish.
Discovering this baked Brie and cranberry pasta was like unlocking a secret celebration in my kitchen. The first time I combined creamy Brie with tart cranberries, I knew I had stumbled onto something special that would brighten chilly evenings.
I remember when unexpected guests showed up one December evening, and this pasta saved the day with minimal fuss but maximum wow. It was the first time I nailed timing and flavor perfectly—every bite was a delight.
Ingredients
- Short pasta: I go for penne or fusilli because their shapes hold onto that luscious sauce beautifully.
- Brie cheese: Removing the rind helps the cheese blend smoothly, making every forkful creamy without any surprises.
- Cranberries: Fresh or frozen, their tartness balances the richness and brings the dish alive.
- Walnuts: Toasted to add a crunchy contrast that feels like a little secret in every bite.
Instructions
- Get Everything Ready:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and have your pasta salted water boiling. The smell of the boiling water mixed with anticipation already gets the kitchen buzzing.
- Cook and Prepare:
- Cook the pasta until just tender, then set aside some pasta water—it’s liquid gold that helps the sauce cling gorgeously. As the pasta boils, assemble the Brie cubes in a baking dish with cranberries on top, drizzled honey, thyme, and pepper. The mix smells like fall in a dish.
- Bake and Toast:
- Pop the dish into the oven until the Brie melts and cranberries soften and bubble, releasing their bright aroma. Meanwhile, toast walnuts in a dry pan until fragrant, adding an irresistible nutty note to the experience.
- Bring It All Together:
- Toss the pasta gently with the creamy Brie mixture, adding reserved pasta water to create a silky coating. Stir in half the walnuts and parsley, then serve topped with the rest plus a little orange zest if you like a bright finish.
Save This dish became more than a recipe when a chilly winter night turned into a celebration thanks to its warmth and festive notes—comfort food that feels like a special occasion.
Keeping It Fresh
Adding a handful of baby spinach or arugula just before serving adds a pop of green freshness and slight peppery bite that lifts the dish effortlessly.
When You're Missing Something
If fresh cranberries aren’t handy, dried ones work too — just reduce honey a bit to keep the sweetness balanced without overwhelming the tart.
Serving Ideas That Clicked
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, keeping the meal light but satisfying.
- Remember to stir gently so the pasta doesn’t break up as you mix in the cheese sauce.
- If you want a vegan twist, swap Brie for a plant-based creamy substitute and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Always have extra parsley on hand for a final fresh garnish that brightens every plate.
Save Thanks for sharing this kitchen moment with me—it’s dishes like these that make home cooking feel like pure joy. Can’t wait to hear what you think once you’ve tried it!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use different pasta shapes for this dish?
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Yes, short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work best to hold the creamy Brie and cranberry sauce.
- → How do I prevent the Brie from overcooking in the oven?
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Bake Brie just until melted and bubbling, approximately 12 to 15 minutes at 200°C (400°F), to maintain a creamy texture without drying out.
- → What can I use if fresh cranberries are unavailable?
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Dried cranberries are a good substitute; adjust sweetness by reducing honey to 1 tablespoon since dried fruit is sweeter.
- → Can this dish be made vegan?
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Replace Brie with a vegan Brie-style cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey for a fully plant-based option.
- → How should I toast walnuts for maximum flavor?
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Toast walnuts on a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- → Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?
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Yes, a splash of reserved pasta water helps create a creamy sauce by loosening the Brie and cranberry mixture and helping it coat the pasta evenly.
