Camembert Pasta

Imagine twirling your fork into a bed of rich, creamy pasta, where every strand is tangled with melted Camembert . This dish isn’t just comfort food, it’s a warm embrace on a chilly night, bursting with flavor, and finished with the kind of gooey cheese pull that makes you pause for just a moment of gratitude before diving in again.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born on one of those days when I wanted something indulgent without too much effort. I had a wheel of Camembert sitting in the fridge, some pasta in the pantry, and a craving for something cheesy and soul-satisfying. And just like that, Camembert pasta became a new favorite. The way the cheese melts into the noodles is pure magic. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy, but secretly takes very little work.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Camembert, originally from Normandy in France, has been loved for centuries for its rich, buttery flavor and soft, edible rind. While it’s typically found on cheeseboards, this creamy cheese is an absolute game-changer when melted into pasta. Combining it with Italian staples like spaghetti and pancetta brings together the best of French and Italian kitchens in one heartwarming dish.

Why You’ll Love Camembert Pasta

This dish isn’t just delicious. It checks all the right boxes for a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Versatile: Whether you serve it as a cozy dinner or a showstopper for guests, it fits every occasion.
Budget-Friendly: You only need a few ingredients to make this feel luxurious without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy: Minimal prep, one dish, and the oven does most of the work.
Customizable: Add mushrooms, swap chicken for veggies, or toss in garlic.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s cheesy, it’s savory, it’s baked pasta what’s not to love?
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble in advance and bake when ready to serve.
Great for Leftovers: Reheat it and enjoy an even richer flavor the next day.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

This dish shines with just a few thoughtful tweaks.

1. Score the Camembert tops before baking to help them melt evenly into the pasta.
2. Use freshly cooked pasta, just slightly under al dente, so it finishes cooking in the oven without becoming mushy.
3. Mix the chicken through the pasta before adding cheese to get that savory, crispy flavor in every bite.
4. Add a splash of cream or milk if you want a looser, saucier texture.
5. Top with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme right before serving for color and a burst of freshness.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple with basic tools.

Large Pot: For boiling the spaghetti to perfection.
Oven-Safe Baking Dish: A round glass or ceramic dish works beautifully.
Frying Pan: To crisp up the chicken bits until golden.
Sharp Knife: For scoring the Camembert wheels.
Tongs or Fork: To lift and serve that cheesy pasta goodness.

Ingredients in Camembert Pasta

Let’s talk about what goes into this beautifully simple dish. Each ingredient brings its own touch of flavor and comfort.

1. Spaghetti: 12 oz, the base that holds all the creamy goodness together.
2. Camembert Cheese Wheels: 3 small (about 125g each), these become the creamy, gooey heart of the dish.
3. chicken : 6 oz, diced, adds a savory, crispy bite that contrasts perfectly with the creamy cheese.
4. Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup, helps create a smooth, velvety sauce when baked.
5. Garlic Cloves: 2, minced, for that warm, aromatic background flavor.
6. Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped, for garnish and brightness.
7. Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, used to sauté the pancetta.
8. Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, brings all the flavors into balance.

Ingredient Substitutions

Need to tweak the recipe? No problem.

Spaghetti: Use fettuccine, penne, or even gluten-free pasta.
Camembert Cheese: Brie works well too for a slightly milder flavor.
chicken: Swap with bacon or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
Heavy Cream: Whole milk or a plant-based cream can be used.
Garlic: Garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh is best.

Ingredient Spotlight

Camembert: This soft, ripened cheese from France has a creamy interior and a white bloomy rind. When baked, it melts into a luscious, buttery pool of flavor that elevates any dish.

Instructions for Making Camembert Pasta

This is where the magic happens. Here’s how to pull off this cheesy masterpiece in a few simple steps.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with olive oil.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   Boil spaghetti in salted water until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside. In a pan, heat olive oil and cook chicken until crispy. Add garlic and sauté for one minute.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   In the greased baking dish, toss the cooked pasta with the chicken mixture and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Nestle the Camembert wheels evenly across the top of the pasta. Score an X on the top rind of each cheese to help it melt into the pasta.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Bake uncovered for about 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are slightly golden.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and brightness.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Use a large spoon or fork to mix the melted Camembert into the pasta before serving hot and gooey.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

Every forkful of this dish is a mix of silky, gooey cheese coating the tender strands of pasta, with little bites of chicken offering a contrast in texture. The rind of the Camembert adds a subtle earthiness while the garlic and herbs make each bite pop with flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

A few tips can take your Camembert pasta to the next level.

• Don’t overcook the pasta during boiling remember, it finishes in the oven.
• If you like it extra creamy, add a splash of milk or cream just before baking.
• You can stir the cheese halfway through baking to help it melt more evenly.

What to Avoid

Let’s steer clear of these easy mistakes.

• Skipping the cheese scoring can stop it from melting evenly.
• Using dry pasta that’s too firm or too soft can mess with the final texture.
• Forgetting to season can leave your dish tasting flat.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 660

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can prep the entire dish up to a day in advance, just cover and refrigerate. When ready, bake as instructed. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave. The flavor deepens overnight, making it even better the next day.

How to Serve Camembert Pasta

Serve this straight from the baking dish with a fresh green salad and crusty bread to soak up all that cheesy goodness. A drizzle of olive oil or a dash of chili flakes on top can elevate the flavors even more.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Leftovers? Lucky you.

• Turn it into a cheesy pasta bake by adding breadcrumbs and reheating.
• Spoon it into puff pastry for creamy pasta parcels.
• Use it as a base for a decadent pasta frittata.

Additional Tips

• Want a touch of tang? Add a splash of white wine or lemon juice to the cream.
• Make it vegetarian by using mushrooms or zucchini instead of chicken .
• Don’t skimp on herbs fresh thyme or rosemary would be amazing.

Make It a Showstopper

For that wow factor, bring the dish to the table straight from the oven with the golden Camembert wheels still intact. Sprinkle extra herbs just before serving. A rustic wooden board underneath and a side of artisan bread completes the look.

Variations to Try

• Mushroom Camembert Pasta: Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist.
• Spicy Camembert Pasta: Toss in chili flakes or hot sauce for a kick.
• Truffle Oil Finish: A few drops of truffle oil before serving takes it over the top.
• Garlic and Herb: Add roasted garlic and thyme for a deeper flavor.
• Veggie Lover’s Version: Add sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use Brie instead of Camembert?

Yes, Brie melts similarly and has a comparable flavor, just a bit milder.

2. Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely. Just skip the pancetta or replace it with sautéed mushrooms.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

4. Can I freeze this dish?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

5. What’s the best pasta to use?

Spaghetti works great, but penne or fettuccine are also delicious.

6. How do I reheat it?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or in the microwave for a quick fix.

7. Is Camembert rind edible?

Yes, the rind is soft and adds a mild earthy flavor totally safe and tasty to eat.

8. Can I add veggies?

Yes! Spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers would be fantastic.

9. What herbs go well with this?

Parsley, thyme, or rosemary add freshness and aroma.

10. Can I make it spicier?

Definitely. Add crushed red pepper flakes or a hint of cayenne.

Conclusion

This Camembert pasta is the kind of dish that makes you pause, close your eyes, and savor every creamy, cheesy, chicken bite. It’s elegant yet effortless, indulgent yet simple, and always unforgettable. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for more.

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