Save A luxurious pasta dish featuring creamy baked Brie, sweet-tart cranberries, and toasted walnuts for a festive twist on comfort food.
This recipe has become a holiday favorite in my family, reminding us of cozy winter dinners filled with warmth and good company.
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
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook the pasta in generously salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Prepare Brie Mixture:
- 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.
- Bake Brie:
- Bake for 12 15 minutes until the Brie is melted and bubbling and cranberries are soft.
- Toast Walnuts:
- Meanwhile, toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 3 minutes until fragrant. Set aside.
- Toss Pasta:
- 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.
- Mix Garnish:
- Stir in half the toasted walnuts and parsley.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with remaining walnuts, parsley, and orange zest if desired.
Save I love how this dish brings everyone together around the table, with each bite sparking smiles and warm conversations.
Notes
For a vegan version, use vegan Brie style cheese and maple syrup. Also, consider adding spinach or arugula for extra greens.
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 This dish is perfect for festive occasions and can be prepared ahead to impress your guests with minimal effort.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Brie?
Yes, a mild, creamy cheese like Camembert or a soft goat cheese can work well, though the melty texture and rich flavor of Brie are unique.
- → Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Absolutely. Substitute Brie with a vegan cheese alternative and replace honey with maple syrup to maintain similar flavor notes.
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli are ideal as they hold the creamy cheese sauce well and provide good texture contrast.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served immediately to enjoy the creamy texture; however, you can prepare the baked cheese mixture in advance and combine just before serving.
- → What enhances the flavor profile of this pasta?
Toasted walnuts add crunch, fresh thyme infuses herbaceous notes, and a zest of orange brings brightness and balance to the creamy, fruity sauce.
- → Are there suitable substitutions for fresh cranberries?
Dried cranberries can be used but reduce the sweetener slightly to avoid excess sweetness and maintain balance.