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Few dishes manage to balance indulgence and simplicity quite like a pasta recipe that relies on little more than cheese, garlic, and butter. This Garlic Butter Baked Brie Pasta is the definition of comfort elevated. At first glance, it may appear deceptively easy: pasta, cheese, breadcrumbs, and a handful of pantry staples. But the magic lies in the way each component transforms. Brie, once baked, becomes molten and velvety, coating every curl of short pasta with its buttery richness. Garlic gently sizzled in butter infuses the dish with deep aromatic flavor, while a sprinkle of chili flakes introduces a subtle warmth. And just when you think it couldn’t get any better, crisp lemon-garlic panko breadcrumbs add freshness and crunch, cutting through the richness with a zesty lift. Ready in about 30 minutes, this pasta is just as suitable for a weeknight dinner as it is for impressing guests at the table. It’s a dish that asks for little but delivers generously—comforting, elegant, and undeniably delicious.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

½ lb short pasta (e.g., lumache)
4 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Italian parsley, chopped
1 tsp crushed red chili flakes
8 oz Brie or Camembert
⅓ cup lemon-garlic panko breadcrumbs
Lemon-Garlic Panko Breadcrumbs:
½ cup plain panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
Juice of ½ lemon
¼ tsp salt

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the brie in a small ovenproof dish and score the top in a crosshatch pattern.
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chili flakes, sautéing until fragrant but not browned. Stir in parsley, then pour this garlic butter mixture over the brie. Bake for 10–15 minutes until melted and bubbling.
Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
For the breadcrumbs, heat olive oil in a small pan, add garlic, and sauté until fragrant. Stir in panko, toasting gently until golden. Remove from heat, then stir in lemon juice and salt.
Once brie is melted, mash gently with a spoon and stir in the hot pasta, adding splashes of reserved pasta water until a creamy sauce forms that coats the pasta evenly.
Transfer to serving bowls and top generously with lemon-garlic panko breadcrumbs. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Nutrients

Calories: ~500–700 kcal per serving (depending on pasta type and portion size)
Fat: High (brie and butter) with some heart-healthy fats from olive oil
Saturates: Moderate to high, primarily from cheese and butter
Protein: Moderate (cheese and pasta)
Carbohydrates: High (pasta and breadcrumbs), with more fiber if whole-grain pasta is used
Sodium: Moderate to high, depending on cheese and seasoning
Vitamins & Minerals: Calcium (brie), Vitamin C (lemon and garlic), Vitamin K (parsley), plus small amounts of iron and B vitamins

Why This Recipe Stands Out

What makes this dish so appealing is its ability to transform minimal ingredients into a showstopper. Traditional creamy pasta dishes often rely on cream or milk to achieve richness, but here, brie takes on that role effortlessly. Its baked, gooey texture wraps around each piece of pasta like a velvet cloak, creating a sauce that feels both luxurious and comforting. The garlic butter base amplifies that richness with aroma and flavor, while chili flakes provide a delicate heat that never overwhelms. What really elevates this dish, however, is the finishing touch: the lemon-garlic panko breadcrumbs. They add a bright, zesty crunch that cuts through the creaminess, ensuring every bite has contrast and excitement. The result is a restaurant-worthy dish that requires little more than 30 minutes and a handful of pantry staples.

The Benefits of the Ingredients

Each ingredient in this pasta plays an essential role in flavor, texture, and nutrition. Brie or Camembert provides the creamy, indulgent backbone of the sauce while also contributing calcium and protein. Garlic, celebrated for its immune-supporting compounds, brings savory depth and aromatic warmth. Butter enriches the sauce with its silky mouthfeel, while olive oil balances it by introducing monounsaturated fats that benefit heart health. Fresh parsley doesn’t just brighten the dish visually but also brings vitamin K and a refreshing herbaceous note. Chili flakes add subtle warmth and can be adjusted to taste, making the dish customizable. Lemon juice in the breadcrumbs works as an acid to balance the cheese’s richness, while also supplying vitamin C for a nutritional lift. Finally, panko breadcrumbs add crunch and texture, making the dish more dynamic, while pasta provides a comforting carbohydrate base that satisfies hunger. The synergy of these ingredients ensures the pasta feels indulgent but never one-dimensional.

Cooking Tips

The success of this recipe lies in the details. Start with a quality brie, as its creaminess and flavor will directly affect the sauce. Scoring the top before baking helps it melt evenly and allows the garlic butter to infuse into the cheese as it bakes. Be careful not to overcook garlic in butter, as it can turn bitter; sauté just until fragrant. When cooking pasta, always salt your water generously, as this forms the foundation of flavor. Save some pasta water before draining—its starch is invaluable for binding the sauce and ensuring creaminess. Toasting panko breadcrumbs requires a gentle hand; low heat and frequent stirring will ensure golden perfection without burning. Add lemon juice only after removing the pan from the heat to keep the flavor bright. For variations, you can experiment with gluten-free pasta or add vegetables such as roasted broccoli, sautéed spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrition and variety. Even a splash of white wine in the garlic butter can elevate the flavor further.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta is delicious on its own but can be part of a larger meal with thoughtful pairings. A crisp green salad with arugula, spinach, or mixed greens dressed in a light lemon vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully. For something heartier, roasted vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers complement the pasta’s flavors while adding color to the table. On special occasions, serve with garlic bread or focaccia to complete the indulgence. For drinks, a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly oaked Chardonnay works beautifully, as their acidity cuts through the creaminess. Sparkling water with lemon is a refreshing non-alcoholic alternative. Leftovers can be revived easily with a splash of pasta water or even a drizzle of olive oil to bring back creaminess. For a creative brunch adaptation, top warmed leftovers with a poached egg—its runny yolk adds another layer of richness.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Baked Brie Pasta embodies everything that makes comfort food so irresistible: rich flavors, creamy textures, and a touch of indulgence. Yet, what makes it truly special is how effortlessly it comes together. With just a few simple ingredients and less than an hour, you can serve a dish that feels luxurious enough for guests but simple enough for a busy weeknight. The melted brie sauce clings to every bite of pasta, while garlic butter and chili add warmth and depth. The lemon-garlic panko breadcrumbs provide the perfect counterpoint with crunch and brightness, making each mouthful balanced and satisfying. This is not just pasta; it’s a reminder of how creativity in the kitchen can transform the simplest ingredients into something extraordinary. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a table full of guests, this dish will bring comfort and delight in equal measure. Once you’ve made it, chances are you’ll be finding excuses to bake brie again—because few recipes deliver such flavor with such ease.

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