Christmas Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Christmas Pasta is a festive, hearty dish that brings warmth and comfort to your holiday table. Featuring a rich tomato-based meat sauce, layers of savory Italian flavors, and your favorite pasta, this dish is perfect for feeding a crowd and celebrating the season. It’s a make-ahead-friendly recipe that tastes even better the next day, making holiday prep a breeze.

ingredients

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

ground beefground porkyellow oniongarlic clovesolive oilcrushed tomatoes (canned)tomato pastebeef brothred wine (optional)Italian seasoningbay leafssalt and peppergranulated sugarspaghettifresh basilparmesan cheese (grated)ricotta cheese (optional)mozzarella cheese (optional)

directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent.

Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Add ground beef and pork to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

Drain excess fat, then add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and red wine (if using).

Season with Italian seasoning, bay leaves, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar.

Simmer the sauce uncovered for at least 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavorful.

While the sauce simmers, cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Remove bay leaves from the sauce. Add chopped fresh basil and stir.

Toss the cooked spaghetti with a portion of the sauce or layer it in a baking dish with cheese for a baked version.

Top with grated parmesan, and optionally add dollops of ricotta or shredded mozzarella.

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes if preparing the baked version.

Servings and timing

Serves 6-8 people.Preparation time: 20 minutesSimmering time: 45 minutesAssembly and baking time (optional): 25 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 10 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork for a lighter version.

Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers for extra veggies.

Replace spaghetti with penne, rigatoni, or fusilli for a different texture.

Make it creamy by stirring in a splash of heavy cream before serving.

Skip the baking step for a simpler stovetop version.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Freeze portions for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.Reheat in the microwave or in a covered baking dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I make Christmas Pasta ahead of time?

Yes, it’s perfect for preparing a day in advance and reheating before serving.

What kind of pasta works best?

Spaghetti is traditional, but any sturdy pasta like rigatoni or penne works well.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, omit the meat and add extra vegetables or use a plant-based meat substitute.

Is red wine necessary?

No, but it adds depth of flavor. You can substitute with extra broth if preferred.

Do I have to bake it?

Not at all—serve straight from the stovetop if you prefer a quicker option.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely, this is great for feeding a large group or saving leftovers.

What cheeses can I use?

Parmesan is classic, but ricotta, mozzarella, or provolone also work well.

How do I keep the pasta from getting soggy?

Cook it al dente and don’t overbake if you choose the baked version.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free pasta and check all ingredients for hidden gluten.

Is this kid-friendly?

Definitely—it’s savory, cheesy, and full of familiar flavors.

Conclusion

Christmas Pasta is a festive and flavorful crowd-pleaser that captures the warmth of the holiday season. Whether you’re serving it straight from the pot or layered with cheese and baked to perfection, it’s a comforting main dish that brings everyone to the table. Make it once, and it may just become your new holiday tradition.

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