Save to Pins A luxurious pasta dish featuring creamy baked Brie, sweet-tart cranberries, and toasted walnuts for a festive twist on comfort food.
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 Pins 
Save to Pins This baked Brie & cranberry pasta is a perfect holiday comfort food that combines creamy cheese with festive flavors. Enjoy making and sharing it with your loved ones.
Questions & Answers
- → What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne or fusilli holds the sauce well and complements the creamy Brie and tart cranberries.
- → Can I substitute fresh cranberries?
Dried cranberries can be used with a reduced amount of honey to maintain sweetness and texture.
- → How do I achieve a creamy sauce?
Mixing reserved pasta water with the melted Brie and cranberry mixture creates a smooth and creamy coating for the pasta.
- → What nuts work well in this dish?
Toasted walnuts add a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor that balances the dish’s creaminess and sweetness.
- → Is there a vegan alternative?
Use a vegan Brie-style cheese and substitute honey with maple syrup to make a plant-based version.