Thanksgiving Cranberry Cream Cheese Pasta

This festive cranberry cream cheese pasta brings holiday flavors to your dinner table any time of year. The tangy cranberry sauce creates beautiful ribbons through the creamy pasta, offering the perfect balance of sweet and savory in every bite.

I first created this recipe when looking for creative ways to use cranberries beyond traditional sauce. My family was skeptical about cranberries in pasta, but now they request this dish throughout the entire holiday season and beyond.

Ingredients

• penne or fusilli pasta: 12 oz The spiral or tube shapes catch the creamy sauce and cranberry swirls perfectly
• fresh or frozen cranberries: 1 cup Use fresh when in season for brightest flavor but frozen work wonderfully year round
• granulated sugar: 1/3 cup Balances the natural tartness of cranberries without making the dish too sweet
• orange zest: 1/2 teaspoon Plus 1 tablespoon juice brightens the cranberry flavor and adds citrus complexity
• cream cheese: 8 oz Room temperature cream cheese melts more smoothly for the creamiest possible sauce
• whole milk: 1/2 cup Creates silky texture while thinning the cream cheese to perfect coating consistency
• unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons Adds richness and helps create a velvety sauce base
• grated Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup Adds savory depth and slight saltiness to balance the sweet cranberry elements
• Fresh parsley and toasted pecans: Optional garnishes that add color freshness and delightful crunch

Instructions

Boil the Pasta:

Fill a large pot with water, add a generous tablespoon of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water which will help thicken and bind your sauce later. Drain pasta but do not rinse to preserve the starch that helps sauce adhere.

Create the Cranberry Sauce:

While pasta cooks, combine cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest and juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Watch as the cranberries begin to pop open, releasing their pectin. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and continue cooking for 8 to 10 minutes until the sauce thickens to a jam like consistency. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still be fluid enough to swirl into pasta.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Sauce:

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Add softened cream cheese and milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and silky, about 3 to 4 minutes. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, stirring until cheese melts fully into the sauce. The sauce should be velvety and thick enough to coat pasta.

Combine Components:

Add drained pasta directly to the skillet with cream cheese sauce. Using tongs or a wooden spoon, toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add small amounts of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. The starch in the water helps create a silky texture that clings to the pasta.

Create the Cranberry Swirl:

With the heat reduced to low, gently fold half the cranberry sauce into the pasta using a figure eight motion with your spoon. Do not overmix. The goal is to create beautiful ribbons of cranberry throughout the dish rather than turning the entire pasta pink. Allow these components to mingle for about one minute over low heat.

Plate and Garnish:

Transfer the pasta to serving plates or a large serving bowl. Drizzle remaining cranberry sauce decoratively over the top. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for color and brightness. If using, add toasted pecans for a delightful textural contrast. Serve immediately while the pasta is still hot and the sauce is at its creamiest.

Pin

The secret to this recipe is the careful balance between tangy cranberries and rich cream cheese. I discovered this combination accidentally when looking for ways to use leftover Thanksgiving cranberry sauce. The contrast between the bright, tart cranberries and the smooth, creamy sauce creates a perfect harmony that elevates a simple pasta dish to something truly special.

Make Ahead Options

The cranberry sauce component can be prepared up to five days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes weeknight preparation even faster when you need a quick but impressive meal. The sauce may thicken when refrigerated, so warm it slightly before adding to the pasta, or add a splash of orange juice to loosen it to the right consistency. The complete dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the pasta will absorb the sauce when stored, but leftovers can be gently reheated with a splash of milk to revive the creamy texture.

Protein Additions

Transform this pasta into a heartier main course by incorporating protein. Shredded rotisserie chicken folded in at the final step adds convenience and flavor. Leftover roasted turkey makes this truly Thanksgiving inspired, especially dark meat which stands up beautifully to the tangy cranberry sauce. For a seafood variation, sautéed shrimp pairs surprisingly well with the creamy sauce and bright cranberry notes. Simply cook your protein separately and fold in just before serving to maintain its texture and flavor integrity.

Seasonal Adaptations

Winter Version Use dried cranberries soaked in orange juice if fresh or frozen are unavailable. Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the cream cheese sauce for warming winter spices.

Spring Variation Replace cranberries with strawberries for a lighter spring adaptation. Add fresh basil instead of parsley for a seasonal herb update.

Summer Option Try blackberries or blueberries instead of cranberries for a summer twist. Add lemon zest rather than orange for brighter citrus notes that complement summer berries.

Dietary Modifications

This versatile recipe can be adapted for various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. For dairy sensitive guests, substitute the cream cheese with dairy free alternatives made from almond or cashew bases, which maintain a similar creamy texture. Plant based milks like oat milk work well in the sauce due to their neutral flavor and creamy consistency. Gluten free pasta varieties made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour perform beautifully in this dish, as the rich sauce helps mask any textural differences. For lower carb options, try serving the cranberry cream cheese sauce over roasted spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles for a lighter alternative with all the same festive flavors.

Pin

This pasta dish is a celebration of flavor and texture, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the delicious harmony of creamy, tangy, and sweet in every bite.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can cook the components ahead. Store the pasta and sauces separately, then reheat and combine before serving for best texture.

→ What other pasta shapes work well?

Penne, fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle capture the creamy sauce. Short shapes are ideal for this colorful dish.

→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply substitute your favorite certified gluten-free pasta for traditional wheat-based varieties.

→ Is there a dairy-free alternative?

You can use plant-based cream cheese, non-dairy milk, and a vegan hard cheese alternative for a dairy-free option.

→ What protein can I add for a heartier meal?

Cooked diced turkey, chicken, or plant-based protein crumbles pair nicely with the creamy and tangy flavors.

→ Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Fresh or frozen cranberries offer the best tart flavor, but you can try unsweetened dried cranberries simmered in water for a softer texture.