Save to Pinterest A luxurious pasta dish featuring creamy baked Brie, sweet-tart cranberries, and toasted walnuts for a festive twist on comfort food.
This dish became an instant favorite at our holiday dinners, impressing guests with its rich flavors and easy preparation.
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 12 15 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 2 3 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 recipe always brings the family together sharing stories while enjoying every creamy and crunchy bite.
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
Nutritional Information
Calories 548 Total Fat 22 g Carbohydrates 68 g Protein 18 g per serving
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this elegant yet simple dish as a perfect holiday comfort food that’s sure to impress.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well and can be used interchangeably with fresh ones. Just consider slightly reducing the honey to balance the tartness.
- → What type of pasta works best with this dish?
Short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli hold the creamy sauce and baked cheese well, making them ideal choices.
- → How can I add more greens to this dish?
Adding baby spinach or arugula when tossing the pasta imparts freshness and a subtle peppery note without overpowering other flavors.
- → Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Yes, substitute traditional Brie with a vegan Brie-style cheese and replace honey with maple syrup for a plant-based version.
- → How do toasted walnuts enhance this meal?
Toasting walnuts releases their natural oils and intensifies their flavor, adding a crunchy texture and nutty depth to the creamy pasta.