If there’s one thing I know, it’s that a great meal isn’t just food—it’s an experience. It’s about enjoying every spoonful, every ingredient working together to create something unforgettable. That’s what this brie pasta recipe is all about. It’s not just any dish; it’s a culinary event that promises to transform your dining table into the talk of the town.
Brie Pasta Recipe Overview
- Course: Main Dish
- Cuisine: Italian
- Total Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Before we dive into the rich flavors, make sure you have the right tools for the job. You’ll need:
- Large pot
- Strainer
- Saute pan
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this decadent dish, all laid out in an easy-to-follow table:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Brie (rind removed, cut into cubes) | 200 grams |
| Pasta (your choice, I prefer penne) | 400 grams |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Cherry tomatoes, halved | 200 grams |
| Fresh basil, chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | to taste |
| Black pepper | to taste |
| Crushed red pepper (optional) | 1/2 teaspoon |
Fact: Did you know Brie was once called the “Queen of Cheeses” in France? Its rich, creamy texture makes it perfect for melting into pasta.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- As the water boils, add salt to a big pot. After you add the pasta, cook it according to the directions on the package until it’s al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency later.
Note: Always reserve pasta water. Its starchy goodness is key for silky, smooth sauces.
Step 2: Saute the Aromatics
- In a sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat.
- Add the chopped garlic and cook for about one minute, until the garlic smells good. Watch out not to burn it, because garlic that has been burned can taste bitter.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
- Toss in the cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to break down, about 5 minutes.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper if using.
Step 4: Melt the Brie
- Reduce the heat to low and add the brie cubes. Let them melt slowly, stirring occasionally.
- Once the brie is melted, pour in some reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the brie sauce. Add everything to the pasta and toss it around to coat it evenly.
- Add the fresh basil and taste to see if the spice needs to be changed.
Warning: Don’t overcook the pasta when initially boiling. It should be just al dente as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce.
Additional Tips
- Cheese Substitutes: If brie isn’t your style, try using camembert for a similar melt and mild flavor.
- Pasta Choices: This sauce clings beautifully to ridged pastas like rigatoni or penne.
Pairing Suggestions
While brie pasta stands splendidly on its own, you might want to pair it with:
- A crisp green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette
- Garlic bread, perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 47 g |
Approximation: These values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredient choices and portion sizes.
Dietary Information
This brie pasta recipe is a fantastic option for vegetarians and those looking for a meat-free meal. For a gluten-free version, simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta!
FAQs about Brie Pasta
What can I use instead of brie in brie pasta?
If brie isn’t available, camembert is a wonderful substitute due to its similar texture and flavor profile.
How can I make my brie pasta sauce creamier?
For an even creamier texture, add a splash of cream to the sauce as you melt the brie.
Is brie pasta suitable for a date night menu?
Absolutely! Its elegant simplicity makes it perfect for impressing a special someone.
Can I prepare brie pasta ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can reheat it over low heat with a bit of pasta water or cream to refresh the sauce.
How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?
Ensure the brie is at room temperature before you add it to the pan, and melt it slowly to prevent clumping.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp make excellent additions for a protein-packed meal.
Would you recommend any other herbs besides basil?
Mint or parsley also work beautifully, offering a fresh, herby brightness to the creamy sauce.
Conclusion
This brie pasta recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a creamy, dreamy culinary journey that’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. Remember, cooking is about making it your own, so feel free to tweak the ingredients to suit your taste buds.
Feel free to leave comments, questions, or feedback on this recipe. I love hearing how my recipes turn out for you and any personal twists you’ve added!
Check out some more delicious main dish recipes:
- Eggs and Lentils Recipe
- Escarole and Beans Recipe
- Crispy Fish Sliders Recipe
- Crispy Chicken Fritta Recipe
- Puerto Rican Cuajito Recipe
- Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Brie Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot
- Strainer
- Saute pan
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 200 grams Brie rind removed, cut into cubes
- 400 grams Pasta your choice, I prefer penne
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 200 grams Cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/4 cup Fresh basil chopped
- To taste Salt
- To taste Black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Crushed red pepper optional
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- As the water boils, add salt to a big pot. After you add the pasta, cook it according to the directions on the package until it’s al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency later.
- Note: Always reserve pasta water. Its starchy goodness is key for silky, smooth sauces.
Step 2: Saute the Aromatics
- In a sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat.
- Add the chopped garlic and cook for about one minute, until the garlic smells good. Watch out not to burn it, because garlic that has been burned can taste bitter.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
- Toss in the cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to break down, about 5 minutes.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper if using.
Step 4: Melt the Brie
- Reduce the heat to low and add the brie cubes. Let them melt slowly, stirring occasionally.
- Once the brie is melted, pour in some reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the brie sauce. Add everything to the pasta and toss it around to coat it evenly.
- Add the fresh basil and taste to see if the spice needs to be changed.
- Warning: Don’t overcook the pasta when initially boiling. It should be just al dente as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce.
Notes
- Cheese Substitutes: If brie isn’t your style, try using camembert for a similar melt and mild flavor.
- Pasta Choices: This sauce clings beautifully to ridged pastas like rigatoni or penne.
