Pin It A festive, creamy pasta dish that combines tangy cranberries, rich cream cheese, and savory herbs for a unique holiday-inspired meal.
I first made this pasta for Thanksgiving when I wanted something festive but different from the usual sides, and it quickly became a family favorite. The cranberry sauce ribboned through the creamy cheese adds a surprising pop that's always a hit at gatherings.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) penne or fusilli pasta
- Cranberry Sauce: 1 cup (120 g) fresh or frozen cranberries, 1/3 cup (67 g) granulated sugar, 1/2 cup (120 ml) water, 1/2 teaspoon orange zest, 1 tablespoon orange juice
- Cream Cheese Sauce: 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese (softened), 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1/4 cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Garnish: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped), 2 tablespoons toasted pecans (chopped, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Make Cranberry Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest, and orange juice. Simmer over medium heat for 8&10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and sauce thickens. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Sauce:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add cream cheese and milk, whisk until smooth. Stir in Parmesan, salt, and black pepper.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add drained pasta to skillet. Toss to coat in cream cheese sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.
- Add Cranberry Sauce:
- Gently swirl in half the cranberry sauce to create ribbons through pasta.
- Plate and Garnish:
- Transfer to serving plates. Top with remaining cranberry sauce, chopped parsley, and toasted pecans if desired. Serve immediately.
Pin It My kids love swirling the cranberry sauce into the pasta themselves at the table. It always gets everyone smiling and diving into their plates together during our holiday dinner.
Required Tools
You will need a large pot for boiling the pasta, a colander, a small saucepan for cranberry sauce, and a large skillet for preparing the cream cheese sauce and tossing everything together.
Allergen Information
The pasta contains dairy (cream cheese, milk, butter, Parmesan) and gluten. Nuts (pecans) are optional. Substitute gluten-free pasta and omit nuts as needed to suit dietary preferences.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides about 510 calories, 21 g total fat, 67 g carbohydrates, and 13 g protein, making it a hearty vegetarian main dish perfect for celebrations.
Pin It This cranberry cream cheese pasta brings holiday flavors to your table in under an hour. Enjoy every bite and celebrate with loved ones!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Fresh or frozen cranberries are best for the sauce’s texture and flavor. Dried cranberries don’t burst or create a true sauce, but can be added for garnish.
- → How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Substitute regular pasta with certified gluten-free pasta. All other ingredients remain the same for a safe gluten-free main.
- → Can I add protein to the pasta?
Yes! Add cooked diced turkey or chicken for extra protein. Fold in after blending the sauces for even distribution.
- → What are suitable nut-free garnish alternatives?
Skip the pecans for a nut-free meal. Toasted seeds, extra fresh herbs, or Parmesan shavings make excellent garnishes.
- → Can I prepare the cranberry sauce ahead?
Absolutely. Prepare cranberry sauce up to two days in advance and refrigerate. Warm slightly before swirling into the pasta.
- → What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp Chardonnay or dry Riesling complements the bright cranberry and creamy cheese notes beautifully.