There’s something utterly magical about a dish that truly captures the joy and vibrance of the holidays, and that’s exactly what you get with Christmas Pasta. This festive recipe combines scarlet tomatoes, fresh basil, creamy cheeses, and signature Italian sausage with ribbons of pasta to create a bowlful of cheer at any winter gathering. It’s hearty, colorful, and guaranteed to earn lots of “just one more serving” requests whether you’re hosting a holiday soirée or cozying up with family. Christmas Pasta will quickly become your new holiday food tradition — trust me.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Christmas Pasta is in its simplicity: just a handful of wholesome ingredients come together for big Italian flavor and holiday flair. Here’s what you need and why each one matters in making this festive masterpiece shine.

Pasta: Classic penne or rigatoni works best, holding plenty of sauce in every bite and allowing the star ingredients to mingle.
Italian Sausage: Adds bold, savory depth and a touch of spice that makes the dish satisfying and celebratory.
Canned San Marzano Tomatoes: Choose the best you can find — these are naturally sweet and create the rich red base for the sauce.
Fresh Garlic: A couple of cloves, minced, will brighten the sauce and deepen the aromatics.
Red Onion: Provides a gentle bite and beautiful color to balance out the flavors.
Heavy Cream: A splash creates that luscious, velvety finish and gives your sauce a lovely blush color.
Fresh Basil: Torn leaves add grassy, fragrant freshness and gorgeous pops of green — a true Christmas Pasta signature.
Parmesan Cheese: Shaved or grated over the top for rich, salty, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Salt & Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that tie everything together — don’t forget to taste as you go!
Olive Oil: Extra-virgin for sautéing and drizzling, imparting a fruity, peppery finish to the dish.

How to Make Christmas Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the red onion and a pinch of salt, sautéing gently until the pieces go soft and translucent. Add the fresh garlic and let it cook just until fragrant — this step lays down a beautifully aromatic foundation for your Christmas Pasta, so resist the temptation to rush!

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Add the Italian sausage to the skillet. Use a spoon to crumble and brown it evenly, allowing it to release all those wonderful flavors. Cook until nicely caramelized, which gives the sauce its signature depth and cozy holiday vibe.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the canned tomatoes and use the back of your spoon to break them up slightly. Let everything simmer together for 15–20 minutes until it’s thickened a bit and the flavors have melded. At the halfway point, stir in the heavy cream, which transforms the sauce into a dreamy, festive blush.

Step 4: Boil the Pasta

While your sauce bubbles away, cook your pasta in plenty of salted water until just al dente. Reserve about a cup of the pasta water before draining — this little trick will help you marry the sauce and pasta perfectly later on.

Step 5: Bring it Together

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet of sauce and toss gently to combine. If the mixture seems a bit tight, splash in some reserved pasta water until it’s perfectly silky. Stir in torn fresh basil and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil for a little extra holiday shine.

How to Serve Christmas Pasta

Garnishes

For a truly celebratory finish, shower the Christmas Pasta with plenty of freshly grated Parmesan, extra basil, and maybe even a scattering of bright red pepper flakes for visual pop and subtle heat. A drizzle of good olive oil makes every forkful sing.

Side Dishes

This hearty pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp winter salad full of bitter greens and citrus segments, or a classic garlic bread hot from the oven. For true holiday flair, serve Christmas Pasta alongside roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots glazed with honey and thyme.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Christmas Pasta in a wide, shallow bowl for maximum color impact. Garnish with festive touches: clusters of fresh basil, a ring of shaved Parmesan, or even tiny rosemary sprigs for a holiday wreath look. It’s also stunning served family-style in a big platter, letting everyone help themselves at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, Christmas Pasta keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it’s a great make-ahead option for busy holiday weeks.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Christmas Pasta! Just let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to three months. To maintain the creamy texture, avoid adding extra Parmesan before freezing — save that for reheating and serving fresh.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to help revive the sauce’s creamy consistency. Or, microwave single servings with a sprinkle of water and covered loosely until steaming. Finish with fresh basil and Parmesan for best flavor.

FAQs

Can I make Christmas Pasta vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap out the Italian sausage for your favorite plant-based sausage or sauté sliced mushrooms with extra garlic for deep, savory flavor. You won’t miss a thing.

What kind of pasta works best?

Penne and rigatoni are ideal because their shape holds the sauce so well, but fusilli, ziti, or even farfalle work in a pinch. Go with what you love — Christmas Pasta is all about comfort.

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level depends on your sausage choice. Mild Italian sausage keeps things cozy, while hot sausage adds some festive heat. For a gentle kick, toss in a few red pepper flakes in the sauce.

Can I double the recipe for a party?

Absolutely! Christmas Pasta is perfect for feeding a crowd. Just use a bigger pot and keep an eye on your seasoning — taste as you go so each batch is flavorful and balanced.

What makes it ‘Christmas Pasta’ besides the colors?

It’s the whole experience: the cozy flavors, the red, green, and white palette, and the way the pasta brings everyone to the table with holiday spirit. It just feels like a celebration in a bowl!

Final Thoughts

There’s no better way to bring friends and family together than with a bubbling pot of Christmas Pasta on the table. Give this joyful dish a try — I guarantee it’ll become a treasured tradition in your holiday kitchen for years to come!

Christmas Pasta Recipe