Thanksgiving Cranberry Cream Cheese

This festive cranberry cream cheese pasta transforms traditional holiday flavors into a satisfying main dish. The tangy cranberry sauce swirled through creamy pasta creates a beautiful contrast that's both visually stunning and delicious. I developed this recipe when looking for creative ways to use leftover cranberries after Thanksgiving, and it quickly became a seasonal favorite.

I first served this pasta at a friendsgiving gathering where everyone was expecting traditional turkey. The vibrant pink swirls and unexpected flavor combination had everyone asking for the recipe before the night was over.

Ingredients

• penne or fusilli pasta: 12 oz The shape catches both the cream sauce and cranberry swirls perfectly
• fresh or frozen cranberries: 1 cup Fresh provide the brightest flavor but frozen work wonderfully too
• granulated sugar: 1/3 cup Balances the tartness of cranberries without making the dish too sweet
• orange zest: 1/2 teaspoon Adds bright citrus notes that enhance the cranberries
• cream cheese: 8 oz Use full-fat for the creamiest texture and richest flavor
• whole milk: 1/2 cup Creates silky smoothness in the sauce
• unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons Adds richness and helps prevent the cream cheese from breaking
• grated Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup Provides savory depth and slight saltiness to balance the sweet cranberries
• Fresh parsley: The bright green color and fresh flavor cut through the richness

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until perfectly al dente usually 8 to 10 minutes. The pasta should have a slight firmness when bitten. Before draining reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy cooking water this will help bind your sauce later. Drain pasta but do not rinse as the starch helps the sauce adhere.

Create the Cranberry Sauce:

While pasta cooks combine cranberries sugar water orange zest and orange juice in a small saucepan. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat stirring occasionally to dissolve sugar. Allow cranberries to cook for 8 to 10 minutes until they burst and release their pectin creating a naturally thickened sauce. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when ready. Remove from heat and set aside.

Make the Cream Cheese Sauce:

In a large skillet melt butter over medium heat until it begins to foam but not brown. Add softened cream cheese breaking it into smaller pieces for faster melting. Pour in milk and whisk continuously until completely smooth and no lumps remain about 3 to 4 minutes. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese salt and pepper continuing to whisk until incorporated into a silky sauce.

Combine Components:

Add drained pasta directly to the cream cheese sauce tossing gently but thoroughly to coat every piece. If sauce seems too thick add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. The starch in the water helps create a glossy finish that clings to the pasta.

Create the Cranberry Swirl:

With pasta and sauce combined lower the heat to medium low. Add half the cranberry sauce in dollops around the pasta. Using a wooden spoon gently swirl the cranberry sauce through the pasta creating beautiful ribbons of color. Avoid overmixing you want distinct swirls not a uniformly pink sauce.

Plate and Garnish:

Transfer pasta to warmed serving plates or a large serving bowl. Drizzle remaining cranberry sauce decoratively over the top. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and if desired toasted pecans for a delightful textural contrast. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Save

The cranberry sauce is truly the star of this dish. I've experimented with many variations over the years, but the simple combination of fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange creates the perfect balance. My family now requests this pasta not just during the holidays but anytime cranberries appear in stores.

Make-Ahead Tips

This pasta can be partially prepared in advance to make holiday entertaining easier. The cranberry sauce can be made up to three days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat it gently before swirling through the pasta. The cream cheese sauce is best made fresh, but you can measure and prep all ingredients ahead of time.

If you need to hold the completed dish for a short time, keep it covered in a warm oven (200°F) for up to 30 minutes. Add a splash of milk before serving if the sauce thickens too much.

Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to dietary needs and pantry constraints. For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based milk, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Gluten-free pasta works beautifully here too just be sure to reserve extra pasta water as gluten-free varieties tend to absorb more sauce.

No fresh cranberries? You can use 3/4 cup prepared cranberry sauce, though you may want to reduce the sugar. In summer months, try substituting raspberries or blackberries for a seasonal twist with similar tanginess.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta makes a striking vegetarian main dish, but it also pairs beautifully with protein options. Serve alongside roasted turkey breast or honey-glazed ham for a holiday meal. For everyday dinners, add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp.

For a complete meal, I like to serve this with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. The peppery greens and bright dressing provide a perfect counterpoint to the rich pasta. A glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with a twist of orange complements the flavors wonderfully.

Seasonal Adaptations

Winter Version Use dried cranberries soaked in orange juice if fresh are unavailable

Spring Version Add tender asparagus tips and lemon zest for brightness

Summer Option Substitute fresh raspberries for cranberries and add basil instead of parsley

Save

This pasta dish has become my signature holiday contribution, earning its place alongside traditional Thanksgiving favorites. What I love most is how it transforms familiar holiday flavors into something unexpected yet comforting. The vibrant color alone makes it worthy of celebration, but the taste is what keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Recipe FAQ

→ Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

For best results, use fresh or frozen cranberries. If using dried, hydrate them in hot water before making the sauce for a similar tartness.

→ How do I make this gluten-free?

Simply substitute your favorite certified gluten-free pasta to enjoy the same creamy, flavorful dish without gluten concerns.

→ What protein pairs well with this dish?

Cooked diced turkey or chicken can be added for extra protein. Both pair well with the creamy sauce and cranberries.

→ Are there nut-free options?

Omit the pecans for a nut-free meal, or swap with sunflower seeds for added crunch without tree nuts.

→ Can I use light cream cheese?

Yes, light cream cheese and skim milk can be substituted for a lighter sauce, maintaining flavor and texture.

→ What wine is recommended with this dish?

A crisp Chardonnay or sparkling citrus water complement the creamy and tangy flavors beautifully.