Introduction
Nothing says comfort during the holidays quite like a warm, creamy bowl of pasta shared with loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or a grand Christmas feast, these Christmas pasta recipes bring a blend of hearty flavor and festive flair to your table. From cheesy bakes to light seafood pastas, every dish here is designed to impress and comfort in equal measure.
1. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Fettuccine
A holiday classic that brings cozy comfort with its velvety texture and mild garlic aroma.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook fettuccine according to package directions.
- Melt butter in a pan, add garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in cream and simmer until slightly thickened.
- Add parmesan and mix until smooth.
- Combine with pasta and season with salt and pepper.
How to Serve It
Top with fresh parsley and serve with warm garlic bread.
2. Baked Four-Cheese Penne
A cheesy comfort bake that makes any Christmas dinner feel extra special.
Ingredients
- 14 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook penne until al dente.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour to make a roux.
- Gradually add milk and stir until thickened.
- Add all cheeses except a little parmesan for topping.
- Combine sauce with pasta and transfer to a baking dish.
- Sprinkle remaining parmesan and bake for 20 minutes until golden.
How to Serve It
Serve straight from the dish with a fresh green salad on the side.
3. Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
A perfect blend of creamy filling and rich tomato sauce that fits right into festive dinners.
Ingredients
- 18 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup spinach, chopped and cooked
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook shells and cool slightly.
- Mix ricotta, spinach, and egg in a bowl.
- Fill shells with mixture and arrange in a baking dish.
- Pour marinara over and top with mozzarella and parmesan.
- Bake for 25 minutes until cheese bubbles.
How to Serve It
Sprinkle with extra parmesan and serve with crusty bread.
4. Creamy Mushroom Pasta
Earthy and comforting, this mushroom pasta adds a cozy touch to chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- 10 oz tagliatelle
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¾ cup cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta until al dente.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a pan.
- Add mushrooms and sauté until golden.
- Stir in garlic and cream, simmer for 3 minutes.
- Toss pasta in sauce and season.
How to Serve It
Top with fresh thyme or parsley.
5. Holiday Shrimp Linguine
Light yet indulgent, this shrimp linguine brings festive freshness to the table.
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt, pepper, and parsley to taste
Instructions
- Cook linguine as directed.
- Sauté shrimp and garlic in olive oil.
- Add tomatoes and lemon juice, simmer briefly.
- Toss with pasta and season.
How to Serve It
Garnish with chopped parsley and a slice of lemon.
6. Creamy Pesto Tortellini
An easy, flavor-packed dish that’s both comforting and festive.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cheese tortellini
- ½ cup basil pesto
- ¾ cup cream
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan
Instructions
- Boil tortellini as per package instructions.
- In a skillet, warm pesto and cream together.
- Add tortellini and toss gently.
- Sprinkle parmesan before serving.
How to Serve It
Add toasted pine nuts on top for extra crunch.
7. Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Butter
A velvety, nutty pasta dish that feels both elegant and cozy—perfect for Christmas gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb butternut squash ravioli (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 fresh sage leaves
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook ravioli according to package directions.
- In a skillet, melt butter until it begins to foam.
- Add sage leaves and cook until crisp.
- Toss cooked ravioli in sage butter and season lightly.
How to Serve It
Top with parmesan and serve immediately with a drizzle of browned butter.
8. Chicken Alfredo Bake
This comforting bake combines creamy Alfredo sauce, pasta, and chicken for a hearty Christmas favorite.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix pasta, chicken, and Alfredo sauce in a large bowl.
- Pour into a greased baking dish and top with cheeses.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbling.
How to Serve It
Garnish with parsley and serve hot with garlic knots.
9. Roasted Vegetable Pasta Primavera
Light, colorful, and full of flavor—this vegetable-packed dish brings brightness to your winter table.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper
- ½ cup grated parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast for 20 minutes.
- Cook pasta and mix with roasted vegetables.
- Add parmesan before serving.
How to Serve It
Serve with extra olive oil drizzle and basil leaves.
10. Creamy Tomato Basil Penne
A timeless pasta with a creamy tomato base that pairs perfectly with garlic bread or roasted chicken.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups tomato sauce
- ½ cup cream
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta until al dente.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic.
- Add tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in cream and basil.
- Toss pasta in sauce and season to taste.
How to Serve It
Top with fresh basil and serve with a crisp green salad.
11. Baked Ziti with Mozzarella
A family-style Christmas dinner favorite with cheesy layers and rich sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ziti and mix with marinara and ricotta.
- Pour into a baking dish and top with mozzarella and parmesan.
- Bake for 25 minutes until bubbly.
How to Serve It
Serve with a fresh basil garnish and warm dinner rolls.
12. Spinach Artichoke Pasta
Inspired by the classic dip—creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly festive.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1 cup cream cheese
- ½ cup parmesan
- ½ cup mozzarella
Instructions
- Cook pasta and set aside.
- In a pan, sauté spinach and artichokes in olive oil.
- Add cream cheese and stir until smooth.
- Mix in pasta and sprinkle cheeses.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes if desired.
How to Serve It
Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for a crispy texture.
13. Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese
A twist on the classic, filled with deep roasted garlic flavor that makes it perfect for the holidays.
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 head garlic, roasted
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Roast garlic at 400°F for 35 minutes until soft.
- Cook pasta and drain.
- Make a roux with butter and flour, add milk slowly.
- Stir in cheese and mashed roasted garlic.
- Combine with pasta and bake 20 minutes at 375°F.
How to Serve It
Serve hot with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of paprika.
14. Creamy Lemon Ricotta Spaghetti
Bright and refreshing, this dish balances creamy and citrusy flavors beautifully.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
- Mix ricotta, lemon juice, zest, and parmesan.
- Toss pasta with sauce, adding water until creamy.
- Drizzle with olive oil.
How to Serve It
Add basil leaves and extra zest on top before serving.
15. Lasagna al Forno
The ultimate Christmas centerpiece—a baked classic loved by everyone.
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella
- ½ cup parmesan
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook noodles and set aside.
- Mix ricotta with egg and a pinch of salt.
- Layer noodles, sauce, and cheeses in a dish.
- Repeat layers and top with mozzarella.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until bubbly.
How to Serve It
Let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
16. Broccoli Cheddar Pasta
A cozy, crowd-pleasing favorite perfect for both kids and adults.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (fusilli or shells)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Steam broccoli until tender.
- Make a cheese sauce with butter, flour, and milk.
- Add cheese until melted.
- Stir in pasta and broccoli.
How to Serve It
Top with breadcrumbs and bake 10 minutes for a crispy finish.
17. Roasted Red Pepper Penne
Smoky and sweet, this roasted pepper pasta adds a splash of color to any Christmas spread.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 red bell peppers, roasted and peeled
- 1 garlic clove
- ½ cup cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup parmesan
Instructions
- Blend roasted peppers, garlic, and cream until smooth.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet, add sauce.
- Toss in pasta and parmesan.
How to Serve It
Serve with chopped basil or parsley.
18. Gnocchi with Creamy Spinach Sauce
Soft, pillowy gnocchi with creamy green goodness—comfort food at its best.
Ingredients
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cream
- ½ cup parmesan
Instructions
- Boil gnocchi until they float, drain.
- Sauté spinach in butter until wilted.
- Add cream and parmesan, simmer briefly.
- Toss gnocchi in sauce.
How to Serve It
Top with parmesan and crushed pepper flakes.
19. Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Chicken
A creamy, tangy dish that feels both hearty and festive.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne
- 2 cups cooked chicken, sliced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 cup cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup parmesan
Instructions
- Sauté sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil.
- Add cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Toss in pasta and chicken.
- Sprinkle parmesan before serving.
How to Serve It
Serve with garlic toast or focaccia.
20. Creamy Cajun Pasta
A little heat and cream come together beautifully for a cozy, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup cream
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta and set aside.
- Sauté peppers with seasoning.
- Add cream and stir until thickened.
- Combine with pasta and toss well.
How to Serve It
Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
21. Truffle Mac and Cheese
Rich, creamy, and luxurious—a perfect finale for a festive pasta lineup.
Ingredients
- 12 oz macaroni
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 ½ cups cheddar
- ½ tsp truffle oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Make a roux with butter and flour, whisk in milk.
- Add cheddar and stir until melted.
- Mix in cooked macaroni and truffle oil.
- Bake 15 minutes at 375°F if desired.
How to Serve It
Top with toasted breadcrumbs and a light truffle drizzle.
Conclusion
These 21 Christmas pasta recipes bring comfort, warmth, and festive spirit to your table—whether you crave a cheesy bake, creamy classic, or vegetable-rich bowl. Each one makes a cozy, heartwarming addition to your holiday menu. Save your favorites, share them with loved ones, and make pasta night a cherished Christmas tradition.
Leave a Reply