If you dream of a dish that’s as festive and comforting as the holiday season itself, Christmas Pasta is the one to bring to your table. Loaded with bright bell peppers and a creamy tomato sauce, every bite gives you the familiar warmth of home with a merry twist. Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner or cozying up for a movie night, it’s the perfect main course to celebrate with color, flavor, and a whole lot of joy. Let’s create something unforgettable this season!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for Christmas Pasta is a breeze, and each item brings its own splash of flavor, texture, or a pop of color to the bowl. Together, they whip up a dish that’s exuberant, creamy, and full of spirit.
- Spaghetti or Fettuccine (12 ounces): The perfect base, soaking up all that luscious sauce and providing just the right ‘bite’ for hearty satisfaction.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a rich, fruity background note and helps build the sauce from the first sizzle.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Brings fragrance and depth, kicking off the flavor party as soon as it hits the pan.
- Small Onion (finely chopped): Offers a gentle sweetness that mellows and ties all the savory notes together.
- Red Bell Pepper (diced): Pops of festive color and gentle sweetness that brighten every forkful.
- Green Bell Pepper (diced): More holiday colors plus a little earthiness for complexity.
- Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 ounces): The juicy, tangy backdrop that gives the sauce body and zest.
- Tomato Paste (1/4 cup): A concentrated burst of tomato flavor, making the sauce wonderfully rich.
- Heavy Cream (1/2 cup): Adds a creamy, decadent touch, balancing the tomatoes with silky smoothness.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon): For just the right kick—adjust to get your perfect level of warmth.
- Dried Oregano (1/2 teaspoon): An herbaceous note that rounds out the dish and amplifies its Italian roots.
- Dried Basil (1/2 teaspoon): Sweet and fragrant, bringing classic flavor to each mouthful.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for coaxing out every layer of flavor in this festive pasta.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a nutty, salty finish—even better when you save some for the top.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (1/4 cup): A fresh burst of green for brightness and color.
- Extra Grated Parmesan and Fresh Basil (for garnish): Turn each plate into a showstopper with these finishing touches.
How to Make Christmas Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your choice of spaghetti or fettuccine. Cook according to package directions until al dente for the perfect texture—tender but still a bit firm. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you create that show-stopping sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes, or until the onions turn translucent and the garlic smells heavenly—trust me, this aroma is the secret to drawing everyone into your kitchen!
Step 3: Soften the Bell Peppers
Add the diced red and green bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This transforms the peppers into tender morsels that both taste amazing and look like holiday ornaments in your sauce.
Step 4: Build the Tomato Cream Sauce
Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste, then gently pour in the heavy cream. Sprinkle over the crushed red pepper flakes, dried oregano, dried basil, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Reduce the heat and let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and all the flavors to mingle. It’s the heart of Christmas Pasta!
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Add the drained pasta directly into your creamy tomato sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are gloriously coated. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for a final burst of tang and color. Give it one last gentle toss, and your Christmas Pasta is ready to take center stage on any holiday table.
How to Serve Christmas Pasta
Garnishes
Sprinkle each bowl with extra grated Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves. Not only does this make the Christmas Pasta look restaurant-worthy, but it also adds a lovely aroma and tanginess that will get everyone excited for the first bite!
Side Dishes
Pair your Christmas Pasta with a basket of garlic bread or a crisp holiday salad. Roasted vegetables—like asparagus or Brussels sprouts—also make a fabulous, colorful companion, keeping the meal light and festive while still completely satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a truly memorable meal, serve your Christmas Pasta in a big, shallow bowl and toss a handful of vibrant microgreens or pomegranate seeds over the top for extra color. Or, try ladling it into individual mini-casserole dishes for an elegant, single-serve dinner party vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Christmas Pasta, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen and become even more delicious by the next day—just remember to keep any garnishes separate to preserve their freshness.
Freezing
To freeze, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the pasta and sauce separately so the noodles retain their texture when reheated.
Reheating
Reheat Christmas Pasta gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or milk to help restore its creamy consistency. Microwave works for single bowls—just cover and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring often to ensure it’s warmed through without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While spaghetti and fettuccine are classic, penne, rigatoni, or even farfalle work beautifully. Their shapes hold the sauce well, so feel free to use your favorite.
Can I make Christmas Pasta vegan?
Definitely. Swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream or a thick, unsweetened oat cream, and use a plant-based Parmesan alternative. The results will still be luscious and festive.
How spicy is this dish?
The recipe as written has a gentle heat thanks to the crushed red pepper flakes. If you’re serving spice-sensitive guests or kids, simply decrease or omit the flakes. Like it hot? Add a pinch more!
Is Christmas Pasta good for a crowd?
Yes! This is a fantastic make-ahead option for large gatherings. It easily doubles (or triples), and you can keep it warm in a large pot or slow cooker until ready to serve.
Can I add protein to Christmas Pasta?
You can! Stir in cooked Italian sausage, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian boost. Each option adds a new layer of heartiness and flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for that one dish to light up your holiday table and bring loved ones a little closer, make it Christmas Pasta. It’s bright, festive, irresistibly creamy, and full of heart—just what this time of year calls for. Gather your family, pour a glass of wine, and dive in. Let the season’s magic begin with your next forkful!
Print
Christmas Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Christmas Pasta recipe is a festive and flavorful dish that is perfect for holiday gatherings. A creamy tomato sauce with a hint of spice coats al dente pasta, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. Garnished with Parmesan and fresh basil, this dish is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces spaghetti or fettuccine
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Extra grated Parmesan and fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: Sauté garlic and onion. Add peppers, tomatoes, tomato paste, cream, spices, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce. Stir in Parmesan and parsley.
- Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan and basil before serving.
Notes
- You can add cooked Italian sausage or chicken for extra protein.
- For a vegetarian version, keep it as is or add sautéed mushrooms.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your desired level of heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
