Christmas Pasta is a colorful, hearty dish that brings the warmth and joy of the holidays right to your table. It’s a comforting mix of pasta, savory Italian sausage, rich tomato sauce, and a blend of cheeses that melt together beautifully. With red sauce, green herbs, and a sprinkle of white cheese, it’s festive in both color and flavor—perfect for Christmas dinner or a cozy winter night.
Ingredients
-
1 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti work best)
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), casings removed
-
1 small onion, finely chopped
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
-
2 tablespoons tomato paste
-
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
-
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
-
Salt and black pepper to taste
-
1 cup baby spinach leaves
-
½ cup chopped roasted red peppers
-
½ cup ricotta cheese
-
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
-
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Time
-
Prep time: 15 minutes
-
Cook time: 30 minutes
-
Total time: 45 minutes
Serving
-
Serves 6
Instructions
-
Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. -
Cook the sausage:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. -
Add aromatics:
Stir in the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook another 1 minute. -
Make the sauce:
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir and let simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened. -
Add vegetables:
Stir in spinach and roasted red peppers until spinach wilts and everything is well mixed. -
Combine and bake:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta with the sauce mixture. Stir in ricotta, then top with mozzarella and Parmesan. -
Bake:
Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges. -
Serve:
Garnish with chopped basil or parsley before serving.
Tips
-
Substitute ground turkey or beef if you prefer a lighter version.
-
Add sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for extra flavor and texture.
-
Prepare ahead: assemble the dish, refrigerate, and bake before serving.
Nutrition (per serving)
-
Calories: 520
-
Protein: 28g
-
Carbohydrates: 46g
-
Fat: 22g
-
Fiber: 4g
Christmas Pasta is the perfect balance of festive color and heartwarming comfort. The rich, cheesy layers and vibrant ingredients make it a dish that brings both flavor and cheer to your holiday feast.
