Christmas Pasta

Christmas Pasta is a festive, colorful, and comforting dish that brings holiday cheer to your table. Loaded with seasonal ingredients, creamy tomato or pesto-based sauce, and festive garnishes, it’s a perfect centerpiece for a holiday meal or cozy family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta is both visually stunning and incredibly satisfying. With rich, cheesy flavors and bursts of freshness from tomatoes and herbs, it’s easy to prepare yet impressive enough for a holiday gathering. You can make it ahead, customize it with your favorite ingredients, and enjoy a hearty dish that celebrates the season.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pasta (penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or holiday-shaped pasta)
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Shallots or onion
• Tomato paste
• Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
• Heavy cream or half-and-half
• Pesto (optional for extra flavor)
• Fresh spinach or kale
• Cherry tomatoes
• Mozzarella balls or shredded mozzarella
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until just under al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic and shallots until fragrant.
4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen flavor.
5. Add crushed tomatoes, cream, and pesto (if using). Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Stir in spinach until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Add cooked pasta and reserved pasta water. Stir to combine.
8. Transfer pasta to a greased baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
9. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and basil leaves for a festive touch.

Servings and timing

• Serves: 6
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Add protein: Mix in cooked sausage, chicken, or pancetta.
• Make it vegetarian: Use roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
• Use a white sauce: Swap tomato sauce for a béchamel or Alfredo base.
• Go green: Skip tomato entirely and use a pesto-cream sauce for a vibrant twist.
• Festive shapes: Use holiday-themed pasta or red and green vegetables for color.

Storage/reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream or water if needed to refresh the sauce.
• Freezing: Freeze baked pasta (fully cooled) in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make Christmas Pasta ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it fully, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

2. What pasta shapes work best?

Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or festive shapes hold sauce well and look great in a casserole.

3. Can I use store-bought pesto?

Absolutely. Store-bought or homemade pesto both work well for extra flavor.

4. Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes! Kids love the cheesy texture and mild flavors. You can adjust the spice levels as needed.

5. Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your sauces and ingredients are certified gluten-free.

6. What type of cheese works best?

Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, but Gruyère or fontina can add richness.

7. How do I keep it from drying out when baking?

Add a little pasta water or cream to keep the sauce moist, and cover with foil for the first half of baking.

8. Can I make it without baking?

Yes, simply toss the cooked pasta with the sauce and serve directly for a stovetop version.

9. What’s the best way to garnish it for the holidays?

Use cherry tomatoes and basil leaves to mimic holly, or top with red pepper flakes and parsley.

10. Can I make a vegan version?

Yes, use dairy-free cream, vegan cheese, and skip meat-based add-ins.

Conclusion

Christmas Pasta is a joyful and cozy addition to your holiday menu. With bold flavors, creamy textures, and vibrant colors, it brings warmth and festivity to the table. Whether baked for a crowd or made on the stovetop for a smaller gathering, it’s a versatile, delicious dish that captures the spirit of the season.

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