Year after year, families look forward to spending quality time together during the festive season, and what better way to do so than sharing a delicious meal? You’ve got the perfect excuse to get creative with your holiday menu, and Christmas pasta recipes are the key. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic or adventurous, this list has it all!
Ragu Lasagna
Here’s a hassle-free lasagna recipe that’s perfect for feeding a crowd during the holidays. With just six ingredients between you and a big pan of delicious lasagna, you’ll be able to create this classic dish with ease. The use of store-bought sauce eliminates the need for lengthy cooking time and ensures a rich flavor without any extra effort. You can customize it to your taste by adding ground beef or sausage, or enjoy it meatless as is. Head over to the recipe page to get started!
San Giorgio Baked Ziti
Everyone’s favorite comfort food is often found at the heart of family gatherings during the holiday season. A giant heap of baked ziti is a classic choice for its meaty, cheesy goodness that never fails to please. For those with large Christmas crowds, it’s also an economical option that won’t break the bank. This recipe makes use of simple ingredients: ziti pasta, ground beef, sauce, and cheese.
By combining everything in a large casserole dish, you’ll have a hearty and filling dinner ready for your loved ones to enjoy.
Pasta Carbonara
Just like me, many people are drawn to the simplicity and rich flavors of a well-made carbonara. Your Yuletide guests will undoubtedly rave about this dish, and they’ll never know how effortless it is to prepare. All you need is some crispy bacon, plenty of spaghetti, and a dash of patience for a truly great carbonara. You can easily incorporate veggies into the pasta or serve them on the side as a refreshing contrast.
The secret to silky, scrambled-free eggs lies in using the reserved pasta water and whisking it with gusto.
Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni
Delighting your guests with a mouth-watering main course has never been easier, thanks to this scrumptious stuffed cannelloni recipe. This show-stopping dish is the epitome of fresh flavors and savory goodness, making it the perfect choice for special occasions like holiday meals. The combination of spinach and ricotta cheese-stuffed pasta is truly irresistible, especially when coated in a rich sauce and topped with a generous sprinkle of melted cheese before baking. The best part?
This recipe can be made ahead of time and frozen, taking the stress out of last-minute cooking. Whether you’re planning a Christmas dinner or any other special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and leave them craving for more! Go to Recipe
Fettuccine Alfredo
Making homemade Alfredo is a game-changer for pasta lovers. There’s something about perfectly cooked noodles smothered in a rich, buttery cream sauce that just hits the spot. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! To start, melt some high-quality butter in a heavy cream base, then stir in shredded romano and parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and creamy. This is where the magic happens – the sauce should be smooth, velvety, and utterly irresistible.
Whether you’re serving chicken or shrimp with your fettuccine Alfredo, or opting for a vegetarian option like steamed broccoli, this recipe has got you covered. Plus, with just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you’ll be enjoying a restaurant-quality meal in no time – all from the comfort of your own home!
The Best Manicotti EVER
Certainly, manicotti seems like the perfect dish to have originated from this recipe. The combination of large stuffed noodles, rich sauce, and melted cheese is an unbeatable match for any pasta lover. The stuffing mixture inside the shells is truly worth its weight in gold – or should I say, a three-cheese blend that’s nothing short of divine! Its creamy texture and flavor are thanks to the expert combination of these three cheeses.
If you’re looking to add some heft to this dish, Italian sausage makes an excellent addition to the recipe. Its savory taste pairs beautifully with the other flavors.
Classic Stuffed Shells
Kick-starting your holiday season with traditional favorites is a wonderful way to get into the spirit! Ricotta, parmesan, and mozzarella cheese come together in perfect harmony to create a creamy filling that kids of all ages will adore. The simplicity of this three-cheese mixture allows it to shine as the star of the show. To assemble the dish, arrange the stuffed shells in a pan coated with marinara sauce – adding an extra layer for good measure doesn’t hurt!
Cover the top with more mozzarella and pop it into the oven.
Pasta Bolognese
Creating a dish that pleases even the pickiest of eaters can be a challenge, especially during holiday meals like Christmas. A homemade bolognese sauce is often a crowd-pleaser, but what’s truly special about this recipe is the genuine smiles it brings to the table. At its core, bolognese is a meat-based pasta sauce that combines ground beef with tomatoes and aromatics to create a rich and hearty flavor profile.
This particular recipe uses penne pasta as the base, but feel free to experiment with other noodle options – after all, what matters most is enjoying it with loved ones over crusty bread.
Baked Gnocchi
When it comes to shaking things up in the kitchen, consider adding gnocchi to your repertoire – its unique texture is sure to impress! The combination of pillowy soft pasta and savory sauce creates a flavor experience like no other. Gnocchi pairs particularly well with ingredients like spiced sausage, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella, which blend harmoniously into the tomato sauce. As these cheeses melt, they coat each piece of pasta in a rich, velvety layer.
A sprig or two of fresh basil adds a pop of color to this already visually appealing dish.
Cheesy Tortellini Bake
During the holiday season, many of us find ourselves overwhelmed by the demands on our time and energy. But why let cooking a delicious Christmas dinner add to the stress? Fortunately, this easy-to-make baked pasta dish requires minimal effort and can be prepared with just a few simple ingredients: a bag of tortellini, a jar of store-bought sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese. To prepare it, simply toss the pasta in the sauce and cover it with cheese before baking.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility – you can use any type of tortellini you like, whether it’s simple cheese-filled, spinach-flecked, or even sausage-seasoned. The result is a beautiful and satisfying baked dish that’s perfect for the holidays.
Rotel Chicken Spaghetti
Keen on a hassle-free Christmas feast that’s perfect for potlucks? Look no further than this easy recipe! This dish makes the most of a trusty casserole, and with just seven ingredients, it’s a cinch to prepare. The combination of cream of mushroom soup and Rotel adds a nice balance of heat and heartiness, while using leftover roast chicken takes this meal to the next level – it’s essentially a whole meal in one dish! What more could you ask for?
This recipe is budget-friendly, stress-free, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters. It’s a great option for families celebrating Christmas together.
Penne Alla Vodka
Not only does vodka sauce hold a special place in the hearts of many pasta lovers, but it’s also incredibly versatile and easy to make. The key to creating an authentic-tasting vodka sauce lies in allowing the alcohol to cook off during cooking time, resulting in a deep and rich flavor that’s sure to impress. Adding fresh herbs and aromatics will elevate the dish to new heights, making it a staple for any Italian-inspired meal.
Considering its simplicity, do yourself a favor and make extra sauce to can for future use – you won’t regret it! If you’re planning a full dinner, consider pairing this sauce with some crispy Italian sausage or other meat of your choice to create a truly satisfying Christmas feast that will leave everyone happy and content.
Spaghetti and Meatballs
For special occasions or impromptu gatherings, I always turn to my trusty recipe for meatballs. The combination of tender meat and rich pasta sauce is a crowd-pleaser that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need to feed a hungry family, this dish is sure to be a hit. To add some extra nutrition without sacrificing flavor, consider mixing in finely chopped carrots and spinach into the meat mixture. Picky eaters will hardly notice the difference!
Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti
Zest for something new this holiday season? Ditch the traditional Christmas table fare like mashed potatoes and stuffing in favor of a simple yet satisfying side dish that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike: lightly dressed spaghetti! This al dente favorite is an easy and elegant option that pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses.
To prepare, start by tossing cooked spaghetti with olive oil, garlic, and parmesan cheese – the classic combination will have everyone reaching for seconds in no time. And don’t worry about serving something less than traditional; this spaghetti side dish is the perfect way to mix things up without sacrificing flavor or excitement.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Not only are Italian Christmas dinners renowned globally, but they’re also incredibly delicious. Nothing quite captures the essence of Florence during the holiday season like a hearty pasta dish. Nostalgic flavors such as spinach and sun-dried tomatoes make for an ideal combination on any festive table. The dish’s creamy sauce and generous portion of chicken create a truly unforgettable and satisfying experience.
What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity – it all comes together in one pan, making it perfect for a stress-free holiday meal. Whether you’re cooking for a small gathering or a large family, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Garden Vegetable Lasagna
Layering flavors is what makes lasagna truly special. While many people think of this classic dish as simply a combination of meat, sauce, and cheese, there’s much more to it than that. For instance, if you’re hosting vegetarian guests during the holidays, a delicious veggie-packed lasagna is a great way to go. The tender array of veggies layered between the pasta is certainly something to be proud of, but let’s not forget about the sauce – warm, spiced, creamy, and truly heavenly.
Creamy Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Pasta
Rounding out the flavors of fall, this roasted pasta dish is a true showstopper for a comforting Christmas dinner. The rich, creamy sauce made with pureed squash and garlic is a masterful blend that will leave you wanting more. When paired with perfectly cooked pasta and topped with crispy prosciutto, it’s a match made in heaven. This unforgettable dish is the ultimate gift to give – one that will be remembered for years to come.
Gorgonzola Cream Sauce Pasta
Genuinely speaking, this recipe will change your perception of pasta forever. Perhaps you’ve had variations before, but the unique combination of ingredients and flavors here sets it apart from any other dish. While it’s challenging to pinpoint a single standout element, the rich cream sauce, spicy sausage, and perfectly cooked pasta are all exceptional components.
The addition of bright peas adds a pop of color and freshness to the plate, while the Gorgonzola dulce brings an ultra-creamy texture to the sauce. If you find it too thick, simply add some reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
TikTok Feta Pasta
While scrolling through TikTok, I’ve discovered that this social media platform is more than just a hub for dance challenges and lip-sync videos. It has also become a source of inspiration for my everyday life, including the food I cook. A simple yet delicious recipe that has caught my attention is one featuring roasted tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and creamy feta cheese as the main ingredients.
This heavenly trio can be combined with cooked pasta to create a satisfying meal that’s perfect for vegetarians or those looking for a protein boost from chicken, sausage, or tofu.
Pasta Primavera
Looking beyond the traditional festive foods that fill our plates during the winter months, primavera offers a delightful twist for Christmas celebrations. With an abundance of fresh vegetables available year-round, there’s no reason why this dish can’t be enjoyed in December. In fact, incorporating a variety of colors on your plate is said to make meals not only visually appealing but also nutritious.
This pasta recipe showcases a medley of vibrant ingredients, including peppers, red onions, broccoli, and more, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to add some color and excitement to their Christmas dinner menu. The light lemon and olive oil dressing adds a refreshing touch without overpowering the other flavors, ensuring that your holiday meal is both satisfying and easy on the palate.
Easy Pasta Puttanesca
Often referred to as a classic Italian pasta sauce, Puttanesca is renowned for its bold and tangy flavor profile. Oftentimes, the beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, requiring only basic ingredients that you likely have on hand, such as olives, anchovies, and whole tomatoes. These fundamental components come together to create a rich umami pasta sauce, which is elevated by the addition of capers, herbs, and spices.
To complete the dish, simply stir in cooked al dente pasta, allowing the flavors to meld together. The versatility of Puttanesca also allows it to be served as a standalone meal or paired with grilled fish or chicken for added depth, making it an excellent choice for holiday gatherings.
Nonna’s Homemade Ravioli
Often, when it comes to cooking, we rely on convenient store-bought options like pre-made pasta and sauces. However, taking the time to create your own ravioli from scratch can be a truly rewarding experience that’s worth every minute! Gathering around with loved ones in the kitchen, working together to craft each delicate piece, is a great way to spend quality time together.
While it may require some extra effort, the satisfaction of serving homemade ravioli at a special occasion like Christmas dinner is unbeatable. The beauty of making your own ravioli lies not just in the filling – which can be as simple or complex as you like, incorporating ingredients like cheese, meat, and herbs – but also in the art of crafting the pasta itself.
Goat Cheese Pasta with Chicken & Rosemary
Warm up your holiday season with the ultimate comfort food recipe – creamy mac n cheese with tender pasta, juicy chicken, and a hint of sophistication from fresh rosemary. This indulgent dish is taken to new heights with the addition of an ultra-creamy goat cheese sauce and succulent rotisserie chicken.
What’s more, you can easily turn this recipe into a make-ahead masterpiece by baking it in advance – simply add some extra cheese on top and pop it under the broiler until golden brown and bubbly. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this festive recipe is sure to become a new holiday tradition.
