Baked Brie Cranberry Pasta

A luxurious pasta dish featuring creamy baked Brie, sweet-tart cranberries, and toasted walnuts for a festive twist on comfort food.

This recipe quickly became a favorite at our family dinners, especially during the holiday season when we want something special yet simple.

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.

Pin

Sharing this dish at holiday gatherings creates warm family moments filled with laughter and comfort.

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)

Pin

This baked Brie and cranberry pasta is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your comfort food cravings with a festive twist.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I use a vegan cheese alternative?

Yes, swap Brie with a vegan Brie-style cheese and replace honey with maple syrup for a plant-based version.

→ What type of pasta works best?

Short shapes like penne or fusilli hold the creamy sauce well and distribute the flavors evenly.

→ How should I toast the walnuts?

Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

→ Can dried cranberries be used instead?

Dried cranberries work as a substitute; reduce honey to 1 tablespoon to balance the sweetness.

→ Is it possible to add greens to this dish?

Yes, tossing in baby spinach or arugula just before serving adds freshness and color.