Pin This festive cranberry cream cheese pasta transforms holiday flavors into a comforting main dish that's both elegant and satisfying. The tangy cranberry sauce swirled through creamy pasta creates a beautiful marbled effect that's as impressive to look at as it is delicious to eat.
I first created this pasta during Thanksgiving week when I was looking for creative ways to use leftover cranberries. My family was skeptical about cranberries in pasta, but after one bite, it became our new holiday tradition that everyone requests alongside the turkey.
Ingredients
- Pasta: short varieties like penne or rigatoni catch the creamy sauce in their ridges and hollows
- Fresh or frozen cranberries: provide the perfect tart contrast to the creamy sauce. Look for firm berries with bright color
- Granulated sugar: balances the natural tartness of cranberries without making the dish overly sweet
- Orange zest and juice: adds brightness and complements the cranberry flavor beautifully
- Cream cheese: creates a luxurious base for the sauce. Choose full-fat for the creamiest results
- Whole milk: helps thin the cream cheese to a silky sauce consistency
- Butter: adds richness and helps create a smooth sauce base
- Fresh garlic: provides aromatic depth. Choose firm cloves without any green sprouts
- Dried thyme: infuses the sauce with subtle herbal notes that complement the cranberries
- Toasted pecans: add essential crunch and nutty flavor. Toast them yourself for maximum freshness
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until just al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Be careful not to overcook as the pasta will continue softening slightly when added to the sauce. Reserve half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining, as this magic ingredient helps bind the sauce to the pasta if needed.
- Prepare the Cranberry Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest, and orange juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Continue cooking for 8 to 10 minutes, watching as the cranberries begin to pop open and release their pectin. The sauce will naturally thicken as it cooks. You want most berries to burst but a few to remain whole for texture. Remove from heat once it reaches a jam like consistency.
- Create the Cream Cheese Base:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it begins to foam slightly. Add the minced garlic and sauté for exactly one minute, stirring constantly to prevent browning. The garlic should become fragrant but not colored, which would make it bitter.
- Develop the Cream Cheese Sauce:
- Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet in chunks to help it melt more easily. Pour in the milk, sprinkle with dried thyme, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously using a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, pressing any cream cheese lumps against the side of the pan to incorporate them. Continue stirring for 3 to 4 minutes until you have a completely smooth, silky sauce that coats the back of a spoon.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the cream cheese sauce. Using tongs or a wooden spoon, toss thoroughly to ensure every piece of pasta is generously coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. The starch in the pasta water will help the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Create the Marbled Effect:
- Take half of your cranberry sauce and dollop it over the pasta. Using a gentle folding motion with your spoon, swirl the cranberry sauce through the pasta without fully incorporating it. You want distinct ribbons of cranberry throughout the creamy pasta for both visual appeal and bursts of flavor in each bite.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Divide the pasta among serving bowls, ensuring each portion has a good balance of pasta and cranberry swirls. Drizzle the remaining cranberry sauce decoratively over each bowl. Sprinkle with the toasted pecans for crunch, fresh parsley for color and freshness, and additional cranberries or orange zest if desired for an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal.
Pin The cranberry sauce in this recipe reminds me of my grandmother's Thanksgiving table. She always insisted on making cranberry sauce from scratch, saying the canned variety was an insult to the berry. The first time I folded her leftover sauce into pasta, I could almost hear her approving laugh. The burst of tangy sweetness against creamy cheese is now my favorite part of holiday cooking.
Make Ahead Tips
This pasta dish can be partially prepared ahead of time to reduce holiday stress. Make the cranberry sauce up to five days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so you may need to thin it slightly with a tablespoon of water or orange juice when reheating. The cream cheese sauce is best made fresh, but you can measure and prep all ingredients the day before. Store prepped ingredients in separate containers in the refrigerator for quick assembly when ready to cook.
Perfect Pairings
The creamy tanginess of this pasta makes it an excellent companion to many holiday favorites. Serve alongside roasted turkey or chicken for a complete meal. For beverages, opt for a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay that won't overwhelm the delicate balance of flavors. For a non alcoholic option, sparkling water with a splash of cranberry juice and an orange slice echoes the flavors in the dish beautifully. Complete the meal with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the pasta.
Dietary Adaptations
This versatile recipe can be easily modified to accommodate various dietary needs. For a dairy free version, substitute the cream cheese with cashew cream cheese and use plant based butter and milk. Those avoiding gluten can simply swap in their favorite gluten free pasta. The cooking time may vary slightly, so check for doneness earlier than the recipe suggests. For a vegan adaptation, use plant based alternatives for all dairy ingredients and add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast to enhance the savory flavors. Those looking to reduce sugar can cut the amount in half or substitute with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
Kid Friendly Version
Transform this sophisticated pasta into a child pleasing dish with a few simple adjustments. Reduce the amount of cranberry sauce mixed into the pasta and serve extra on the side for dipping or adding as desired. The sweet tart flavor often appeals to children when they can control the amount. Skip the black pepper in their portions and consider adding small pieces of mild cheese like mozzarella throughout for familiar comfort. Chopping the pecans very finely or omitting them altogether can help with texture concerns. Present it as pink princess pasta or holiday magic pasta to entice reluctant eaters.
Pin These tips will help ensure your cranberry cream cheese pasta is a showstopper, packed with flavor and beautiful presentation.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?
Fresh or frozen cranberries are best for a vibrant sauce, but dried can be used if soaked first to plump them up.
- → How do I prevent the cream cheese sauce from clumping?
Use softened cream cheese and add milk gradually while stirring constantly for a smooth, lump-free sauce.
- → What pasta shapes work best for this dish?
Short shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli hold the creamy sauce and blend well with the cranberry swirl.
- → Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute gluten-free pasta while preparing all other components as directed.
- → Are there other suggested garnishes?
Try extra orange zest, additional cranberries, or even a sprinkle of parmesan for enhanced flavor and presentation.
- → Is this dish suitable for making ahead?
Pasta and cranberry sauce can be made ahead; combine and reheat gently, adding a splash of milk if needed.