Holiday Cranberry Goat Cheese Penne

Holiday Cranberry Goat Cheese Penne captures all the bright cheer of the season in a single skillet. Creamy goat cheese melts into a lush sauce, dried cranberries add bursts of tart sweetness, and toasted walnuts bring crunch and warmth. Fresh herbs tie everything together, making this an easy yet sophisticated main fit for special gatherings or weeknight cosiness.

The first time I set out bowls of this pasta I watched friends go back for seconds all smiles and big scoops The colors and aromas make it impossible to resist

Ingredients

• Penne pasta: Use a sturdy penne or any tube shape to capture plenty of the sauce For gluten free needs select a corn or rice based pasta
• Olive oil: Choose extra virgin olive oil for rich taste and aroma
• Garlic: Fresh cloves give the boldest flavor Mince finely for even cooking
• Shallot: Adds gentle sweetness and depth Look for firm unbruised bulbs
• Vegetable broth: Homemade or low sodium commercial broth deepens savory notes
• Goat cheese: Fresh soft goat cheese melts smoothly and delivers signature tang Crumble before using
• Heavy cream: A splash of cream yields silkiness in the sauce
• Lemon zest: Use a microplane or zester for fresh bright notes on the palate
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Adds balance and brings out flavors Freshly cracked black pepper offers best aroma
• Dried cranberries: Choose plump cranberries with minimal added sugar for natural tartness
• Walnuts: Toasted just until fragrant They add texture and a rich nutty undertone
• Fresh parsley: Look for flat leaf with vibrant green leaves Finely chop for a burst of color
• Chives: Snipped fresh chives layer in gentle onion flavor
• Parmesan (optional): For serving adds extra savory richness Use true Parmigiano Reggiano if possible

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil Add penne and cook following the package instructions Stir occasionally so the pasta does not stick Reserve half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining Drain pasta well but do not rinse as the surface starch helps the sauce cling

Sauté the Aromatics:

In your largest skillet warm the olive oil over medium heat Add finely chopped garlic and shallot Stir frequently allowing the vegetables to gently soften and release their fragrance about three minutes The garlic should not brown as this could introduce bitterness

Build the Creamy Base:

Pour the vegetable broth into the aromatics and raise the heat to bring to a simmer After bubbles gently break at the surface lower the heat and whisk in crumbled goat cheese and pouring in the heavy cream Continue whisking until the sauce turns smooth and creamy with no lumps

Season and Plump the Cranberries:

Sprinkle in the fresh lemon zest then season with salt and pepper to taste Stir in the dried cranberries Let them soak and plump up in the hot sauce for a scant two minutes The cranberries should start to swell and turn glossy

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

Add the hot drained penne directly into the skillet Toss thoroughly building a silky coating on every piece If the sauce seems too thick splash in reserved pasta water a little bit at a time until your desired consistency is reached It should be luscious not runny

Add Crunch and Freshness:

Take the skillet off the heat Fold in roughly chopped toasted walnuts half of the fresh parsley and the bright slivers of chives Toss gently so the add-ins are evenly distributed

Serve and Garnish:

Heap the pasta onto plates Top with the rest of the fresh parsley and if using a handful of grated Parmesan Add more cranberries or nuts for extra holiday sparkle Serve warm

Goat cheese is my absolute favorite here because it gives creamy richness and a pleasant brightness without overpowering The first holiday I made this dish my sister actually asked for the recipe before finishing her plate and now it is a beloved tradition at our family table

Storage Tips

Leftover pasta stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days To reheat add a splash of milk or broth and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave The flavors meld overnight making leftovers deeply flavorful but walnuts may soften slightly

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need a dairy free version reach for plant based cream and vegan cheese alternatives Swap walnuts for toasted pecans or pistachios for a new nutty angle Arugula or baby spinach can be folded in with the pasta for more greens and nutrition

Serving Suggestions

I like to serve this penne with a vibrant green salad maybe featuring pears or apples and a citrus dressing Toasted crostini or rustic bread rounds out the festive table A lightly chilled Sauvignon Blanc makes an elegant pairing that highlights the creamy and tangy notes

Cultural and Seasonal Flair

This recipe nods to the Italian tradition of creamy holiday pastas but bright cranberries and walnuts bring a local American twist It captures classic holiday flavors in a fresh and unexpected way making the dish perfect for Thanksgiving Friendsgiving or even a winter solstice gathering

Seasonal Adaptations

Toss in wilted winter greens like kale if you want more depth Pomegranate arils make a beautiful topping for a jewel like finishing touch Take advantage of peak citrus in winter by zesting blood orange for a rosy hue

Success Stories

Many readers share that children and adults alike return for seconds and even picky eaters are surprisingly enchanted One friend made a double batch for her work potluck and it was the first thing finished The juicy tangy cranberries are always a topic of compliments

Freezer Meal Conversion

While the sauce itself does not freeze as well due to the delicate goat cheese texture you can cook pasta and prepare herb and nut mix ins ahead of time Freeze them separately and combine with a freshly made sauce for an easy holiday meal prep solution

This recipe will be the star of any holiday table and becomes even more flavorful when shared with loved ones Make it your new winter tradition

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I substitute another pasta for penne?

Yes, short pastas like rigatoni or fusilli also work well to hold the creamy goat cheese sauce and mix-ins.

→ How do I make this dish vegan?

Use plant-based cream and vegan cheese instead of dairy goat cheese and heavy cream to enjoy a fully vegan meal.

→ Why add dried cranberries?

The cranberries give a tart, fruity contrast that complements the creamy, tangy goat cheese and the toasted walnuts.

→ Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can cook pasta and prep ingredients in advance. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.

→ What wine pairs well with this dish?

A dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully, balancing the dish’s creaminess and tart cranberry notes.

→ Is it possible to add vegetables?

Absolutely. Sautéed spinach or arugula can be added at the end for extra greens and flavor variety.