28 Christmas Pasta Recipes That’ll Wow Your Guests Instantly

Christmas is the time of year when you want everything to be extra special, especially when it comes to food. If you're hosting a holiday gathering, a meal that wows your guests is a must. But don't worry, you don’t have to be a professional chef to impress your loved ones.

With these 28 Christmas pasta recipes, you'll have a variety of delicious dishes that are sure to be the highlight of your festive celebration. From rich, creamy sauces to vibrant vegetable-packed pasta, there's something for every taste.

So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to create some holiday magic with these flavorful pasta dishes that’ll wow your guests instantly!

1. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

This creamy garlic Parmesan pasta is a perfect comfort food for the holidays. Rich and flavorful, it's sure to be a hit at your Christmas dinner.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or spaghetti)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
3. Add the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce thickens.
5. Toss the pasta in the sauce and season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy goodness!

2. Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella

A classic Italian dish that never fails to please. The blend of ricotta and mozzarella makes it rich and indulgent, perfect for a holiday feast.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella
• 1 egg, beaten
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the ziti pasta and drain.
3. Mix the ricotta, mozzarella, and egg in a bowl.
4. Combine the cooked pasta with marinara sauce and the ricotta mixture.
5. Pour into a baking dish and top with extra mozzarella.
6. Bake for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
7. Garnish with fresh basil and serve.

3. Pasta Primavera

Light, fresh, and full of seasonal vegetables, this pasta primavera is a colorful dish that adds a vibrant touch to your Christmas spread.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup bell peppers, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta and drain.
2. In a large pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic.
3. Add the veggies and cook until tender.
4. Toss the cooked pasta with the veggies and seasoning.
5. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and grated Parmesan.

4. Butternut Squash Ravioli with Brown Butter Sage Sauce

This rich and nutty ravioli, paired with brown butter and crispy sage, is a perfect festive dish for Christmas.

Ingredients:

• 1 pack butternut squash ravioli
• 4 tbsp butter
• 10 fresh sage leaves
• 1 tbsp chopped walnuts (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the ravioli according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, melt butter and cook until it turns golden brown.
3. Add sage leaves and cook until crispy.
4. Toss the ravioli in the brown butter and top with walnuts.
5. Serve hot, garnished with a bit of salt and pepper.

5. Penne alla Vodka

A rich and creamy vodka sauce with a hint of spice, this penne alla vodka is a classic that’s perfect for the holidays.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup vodka
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta and set aside.
2. In a pan, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil.
3. Add vodka and cook until reduced by half.
4. Stir in marinara sauce, cream, and red pepper flakes.
5. Toss the pasta in the sauce and serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan.

6. Lasagna with Spinach and Ricotta

This lighter take on classic lasagna uses spinach and ricotta, making it both delicious and slightly healthier for the holiday season.

Ingredients:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 2 cups spinach, chopped
• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Cook the lasagna noodles and drain.
3. Mix the spinach, ricotta, and egg in a bowl.
4. In a baking dish, layer noodles, spinach mixture, and marinara sauce.
5. Top with mozzarella and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Let it cool slightly before serving.

7. Shrimp Scampi Pasta

This shrimp scampi pasta is a quick and elegant dish that’s packed with flavor. The garlic, lemon, and shrimp make it a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup white wine
• 2 tbsp butter
• Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta and drain.
2. In a pan, sauté garlic in butter until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink.
4. Stir in white wine and lemon juice.
5. Toss the pasta in the sauce and serve with fresh parsley.

8. Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken

A rich and creamy Alfredo sauce combined with tender chicken makes this fettuccine Alfredo a perfect festive dish.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz fettuccine pasta
• 2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Cook the fettuccine and drain.
2. In a pan, melt butter and add heavy cream.
3. Stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens.
4. Toss the pasta and grilled chicken in the sauce.
5. Serve with additional Parmesan cheese.

9. Pasta with Pesto and Roasted Vegetables

A bright and fresh dish, this pasta with pesto and roasted vegetables adds an earthy flavor perfect for the holiday season.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz fusilli pasta
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, etc.)
• ½ cup pesto
• Olive oil for roasting

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Roast the vegetables in olive oil for 20 minutes.
3. Cook the pasta and drain.
4. Toss the pasta with pesto and roasted vegetables.
5. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil.

10. Christmas Mac and Cheese

This rich, cheesy mac and cheese is perfect for your holiday dinner table. It’s creamy, comforting, and so indulgent!

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp mustard powder

Instructions:

1. Cook the macaroni and drain.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in mustard powder.
3. Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Toss the pasta in the cheese sauce and serve hot.

11. Stuffed Shells with Meatballs

Stuffed pasta shells filled with ricotta cheese and paired with tender meatballs make this dish a hearty and satisfying option for Christmas dinner.

Ingredients:

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta shells and drain.
2. Mix the ground beef with ricotta and egg, and stuff the shells.
3. Arrange the stuffed shells in a baking dish.
4. Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

12. Spaghetti Carbonara

This classic Roman dish, with its creamy egg sauce and crispy pancetta, is an elegant choice for a holiday meal.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 4 oz pancetta, diced
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the spaghetti and set aside.
2. In a pan, cook the pancetta until crispy.
3. In a bowl, whisk the eggs and Parmesan together.
4. Toss the pasta with pancetta and then the egg mixture.
5. Serve with freshly ground black pepper.

13. Christmas Pasta Salad

This festive pasta salad is loaded with

vegetables, olives, and a tangy dressing, making it a great side dish for your Christmas table.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz rotini pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• ½ cup black olives
• ½ cup red onion, diced
• ¼ cup Italian dressing

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta and drain.
2. In a large bowl, combine the pasta with vegetables and olives.
3. Toss with Italian dressing and chill before serving.

14. Eggplant Parmesan Pasta

A vegetarian twist on a classic Italian favorite, this eggplant Parmesan pasta is crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 1 eggplant, sliced
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Coat eggplant slices in olive oil and bake for 20 minutes.
3. Cook the pasta and drain.
4. Layer eggplant, marinara sauce, and mozzarella on top of the pasta.
5. Bake for 10 minutes until the cheese is melted.

15. Lobster Mac and Cheese

For a more luxurious Christmas pasta dish, this lobster mac and cheese combines rich cheese sauce with succulent lobster.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 1 lobster tail, cooked and chopped
• 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Cook the macaroni and drain.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in heavy cream.
3. Add Gruyère cheese until melted.
4. Toss the macaroni and lobster in the cheese sauce.
5. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

16. Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna

A hearty vegetarian lasagna filled with earthy mushrooms and spinach, this dish is a perfect addition to your holiday spread.

Ingredients:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 2 cups spinach
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the lasagna noodles and drain.
3. Sauté mushrooms and spinach in olive oil.
4. Layer noodles, ricotta, and marinara sauce in a baking dish.
5. Top with mozzarella and bake for 30 minutes.

17. Pasta with Sausage and Peppers

This dish combines spicy sausage with sweet bell peppers, creating a flavorful pasta dish that’s perfect for Christmas dinner.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz rigatoni pasta
• 2 sausages, casings removed
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 cup marinara sauce

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta and set aside.
2. In a pan, cook the sausage and vegetables until browned.
3. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer.
4. Toss the pasta in the sauce and serve.

18. Pasta with Clams and White Wine Sauce

A seafood dish that’s both light and elegant, this pasta with clams and white wine sauce is perfect for a sophisticated Christmas meal.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz linguine
• 2 dozen fresh clams
• 1 cup white wine
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Cook the linguine and set aside.
2. In a pan, sauté garlic in olive oil.
3. Add clams and white wine, cook until the clams open.
4. Toss the pasta in the sauce and serve with parsley.

19. Pasta with Mushroom Cream Sauce

This rich mushroom cream sauce pasta is a savory dish that pairs perfectly with any holiday main course.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz fettuccine
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp thyme

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta and drain.
2. Sauté mushrooms in butter until tender.
3. Stir in heavy cream and thyme.
4. Toss the pasta in the sauce and serve hot.

20. Christmas Stuffed Manicotti

Stuffed manicotti filled with a creamy ricotta mixture is always a holiday favorite, especially when topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella.

Ingredients:

• 12 manicotti shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the manicotti shells and drain.
3. Mix ricotta and spinach and stuff the shells.
4. Arrange in a baking dish, top with marinara and mozzarella.
5. Bake for 25 minutes.

21. Pasta with Roasted Garlic and Tomato Sauce

The deep flavor of roasted garlic combined with fresh tomatoes creates a rich and flavorful sauce for this simple pasta dish.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 2 cups tomatoes, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, roasted
• Olive oil for roasting

Instructions:

1. Roast garlic cloves in olive oil until soft.
2. Cook the pasta and drain.
3. Sauté tomatoes in olive oil until soft.
4. Toss the pasta in the roasted garlic tomato sauce.
5. Serve with Parmesan cheese.

22. Pumpkin Ravioli with Sage Butter Sauce

Pumpkin ravioli in a sage butter sauce offers the perfect seasonal flavor for a holiday pasta dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 pack pumpkin ravioli
• 4 tbsp butter
• 10 sage leaves
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Cook the ravioli according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil and melt butter.
3. Add sage leaves and cook until crispy.
4. Toss the ravioli in the sage butter sauce and serve hot.

23. Cheesy Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

This creamy, cheesy broccoli Alfredo pasta is a great side dish for your Christmas feast.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta and broccoli together.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in cream and Parmesan.
3. Toss the pasta and broccoli in the cheese sauce.
4. Serve immediately.

24. Pasta Carbonara with Mushrooms

This version of classic carbonara features earthy mushrooms, adding a deep flavor to this creamy pasta dish.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta and set aside.
2. Sauté mushrooms until browned.
3. Whisk together eggs and Parmesan.
4. Toss the pasta with mushrooms and egg mixture.
5. Serve hot with extra cheese.

25. Pasta with Broccoli and Lemon Sauce

A light and tangy pasta, this dish combines fresh broccoli with a lemon sauce for a refreshing, vibrant flavor.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Olive oil for sautéing

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta and drain.
2. Sauté broccoli in olive oil until tender.
3. Toss the pasta with broccoli and lemon juice.
4. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan.

26. Ravioli with Spinach and Ricotta

Delicious spinach and ricotta ravioli are perfect for a light yet flavorful holiday pasta dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 pack spinach and ricotta ravioli
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Cook the ravioli according to package instructions.
2. Heat marinara sauce in a pan.
3. Toss the ravioli in the sauce and drizzle with olive oil.
4. Serve hot with Parmesan.

27. Christmas Meatball Pasta

Holiday meatballs paired with a rich marinara sauce and pasta make for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta and set aside.
2. Form meatballs from ground beef and cook until browned.
3. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer.
4. Toss the pasta in the sauce and serve.

28. Pasta with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Roasted red peppers create a sweet and smoky sauce for this delicious pasta dish, perfect for the holidays.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta
• 2 roasted red peppers
• 1 cup cream
• Olive oil for roasting

Instructions:

1. Roast the red peppers and blend into a puree.
2. Cook the pasta and drain.
3. Stir in the roasted red pepper puree and cream.
4. Toss the pasta in the sauce and serve hot.

Conclusion

These 28 holiday pasta recipes offer something for every taste, from rich and creamy to light and refreshing. Perfect for Christmas gatherings, each dish brings festive flavors and a satisfying twist to traditional meals. Choose your favorite and make this holiday season even more delicious!