Thanksgiving Cranberry Cream Cheese (Print Version)
Creamy pasta with cranberries and cheese delivers a festive, flavorful main with savory herbs and optional pecans.
# Components:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz penne or fusilli pasta
→ Cranberry Sauce
02 - 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
03 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1/2 cup water
05 - 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
06 - 1 tablespoon orange juice
→ Cream Cheese Sauce
07 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
08 - 1/2 cup whole milk
09 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
10 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Garnish
13 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
14 - 2 tablespoons toasted pecans, chopped (optional)
# Preparation Steps:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
02 - In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest, and orange juice. Simmer over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, until cranberries burst and sauce thickens. Set aside.
03 - In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add cream cheese and milk, whisking until smooth. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
04 - Add drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
05 - Gently swirl half of the cranberry sauce through the pasta.
06 - Transfer to serving plates. Drizzle with remaining cranberry sauce and garnish with parsley and pecans (if using). Serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Ready in just 35 minutes
- Uses simple ingredients with maximum flavor impact
- Perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory elements
- Vegetarian-friendly but easily adaptable for meat lovers
02 -
- Perfect for using leftover cranberry sauce from holiday meals
- Can be prepared in advance up to the swirling stage
- Creates a stunning presentation with minimal effort
- Makes an excellent side dish for turkey or ham