Skip the traditional food this holiday season and whip up some tasty Christmas Pasta Recipes. With a variety of pastas to choose from that are all simple to prepare, this collection of recipes will be perfect for your Christmas dinner!

photos of pasta

Instead of preparing ham, turkey, or a roast for your holiday gathering, why not try a hearty pasta dish instead?

Or, in addition to your traditional food, serve one (or three) of these cozy and comforting pasta dishes to your holiday guests. 

A hearty pasta dish is not just perfect comfort food, but it’s a stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal that will have you coming back for more. In fact, a new Christmas pasta recipe might just become your favorite holiday tradition.

So, what makes a pasta dish a Christmas pasta dish? 

The answer is simple…pasta, gnocchi, or noodles that you serve on (or around) Christmas. While you can make it extra festive and use red and green colors, such as red or green bell peppers, parsley, or cilantro, the simple fact that you serve pasta in December lovingly makes it a Christmas pasta…at least in my book!

All of the Christmas pasta recipes listed below are easy to make, contain simple ingredients, and will have you and your guests feeling full and satisfied! 

Plus, you can double or triple the easy pasta recipes to serve as leftovers or to send some home with your guests. 

To make this a complete meal, you can serve the easy pasta recipes with:

1. Easy Lasagna

    lasagna on a white plate

    This easy lasagna recipe layers tender noodles with rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella for a comforting, no-fuss classic. Perfect for busy weeknights, it uses simple ingredients and comes together quickly. Bake until bubbly and golden for a satisfying family favorite.

    2. Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta

    pumpkin alfredo pasta on a white plate with a silver fork

    Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta is a cozy twist on a classic, blending creamy Alfredo sauce with velvety pumpkin puree and warm spices. It’s rich, comforting, and comes together in under 25 minutes. Perfect for fall dinners or when you’re craving something indulgent yet simple.

    3. Chicken Pot Pie Noodles

    noodles in a skillet

    Chicken Pot Pie Noodles combine the comforting flavors of a classic pot pie with the ease of a one-pan pasta dish. Tender noodles, hearty vegetables, and savory chicken are coated in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s a quick, cozy meal perfect for any night of the week.

    4. Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet

    pasta in a skillet

    Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet is a one-pan twist on the American favorite, combining crispy chicken, tender pasta, and zesty marinara sauce. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan, it’s rich, cheesy, and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner.

    5. Creamy Sausage and Mushroom Rigatoni

    pasta in a white bowl

    Creamy Sausage and Mushroom Rigatoni is a hearty, flavorful pasta dish loaded with savory sausage, tender mushrooms, and a rich, garlicky cream sauce. It’s comforting, easy to make, and perfect for a cozy dinner. Every bite is packed with bold, satisfying flavor.

    6. Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce

    tortellini in a white dish

    Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce is a comforting, oven-baked pasta dish layered with hearty meat sauce, cheese-filled tortellini, and plenty of gooey mozzarella. It’s easy to make and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Just bake until bubbly and golden for a family favorite.

    7. Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

    pumpkin mac and cheese in a white dish

    Pumpkin Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cozy twist on the classic, blending rich cheese sauce with smooth pumpkin puree for a hint of sweetness and fall flavor. It’s quick, comforting, and perfect for an easy weeknight meal. A fun seasonal spin the whole family will love.

    8. Chicken and Asparagus Orzo

    pasta and chicken on a white plate

    Chicken and Asparagus Orzo is a light yet satisfying one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, fresh asparagus, and creamy orzo pasta. It’s quick to make and full of bright, fresh flavor. Perfect for a simple spring or weeknight dinner.

    9. Easy Baked Ziti

    ziti on a white plate

    Easy Baked Ziti is a classic comfort dish made with tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and layers of melty mozzarella and creamy ricotta. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd. Just bake until bubbly and golden for a hearty, satisfying meal.

    10. One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta

    pasta in a black skillet

    One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta is a hearty, flavorful dish made with savory sausage, tender pasta, and a rich tomato sauce, all cooked in a single pan. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights. Minimal cleanup, maximum comfort.

    11. Instant Pot Pesto Chicken Pasta

    Pasta on a white plate

    Instant Pot Pesto Chicken Pasta is a quick and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, pasta, and a creamy basil pesto sauce. Ready in under 35 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights. Rich, herby, and effortlessly delicious.

    12. Lasagna Rolls

    lasagna rolls in a white dish with a spatula holding up one piece

    Lasagna Rolls are a fun, easy twist on the classic dish, lasagna noodles rolled up with a cheesy ricotta filling, topped with marinara and melted mozzarella. They’re perfect for portioned servings and bake up beautifully. Comforting, flavorful, and great for weeknight dinners or gatherings.

    13. Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

    pasta in a black skillet with a wooden spoon

    Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is a quick, comforting dish made with savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce. It comes together in one pan for easy cleanup. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner the whole family will love.

    14. Chicken Bacon Ranch Tortellini

    tortellini in a black skillet

    Chicken Bacon Ranch Tortellini is a creamy, indulgent pasta dish loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and cheese-filled tortellini tossed in a flavorful ranch sauce. It’s rich, satisfying, and comes together in one pan. Perfect for a quick and comforting weeknight meal.

    15. Easy Baked Spaghetti

    spaghetti in a white dish with a wooden spoon showing a big spoonful

    Easy Baked Spaghetti is a comforting, family-friendly dish that layers tender spaghetti with savory meat sauce and plenty of melted cheese. It’s simple to make and perfect for feeding a crowd. Just bake until bubbly and golden for a delicious twist on a classic favorite.

    16. Chicken and Noodle Casserole

    casserole in a white dish

    Chicken and Noodle Casserole is a cozy, classic dish made with tender chicken, egg noodles, and a creamy sauce, all baked to perfection with a crispy topping. It’s easy to assemble and perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. Family-friendly and full of nostalgic flavor.

    17. Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

    mac and cheese in a white bowl

    Creamy Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender pasta coated in a rich, velvety cheese sauce. It’s easy to make and perfect as a main dish or side. Ultra-satisfying and loved by kids and adults alike.

    18. Chicken Marsala Pasta

    chicken masala pasta on a white serving platter

    Chicken Marsala Pasta combines tender chicken and earthy mushrooms in a rich, savory Marsala wine sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s elegant enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight meal. Creamy, comforting, and full of bold flavor.

    19. Sausage Gnocchi

    gnocchi in a black skillet

    Sausage Gnocchi is a hearty, one-pan meal featuring pillowy gnocchi, savory sausage, and a rich tomato or cream-based sauce. It’s quick to make and packed with bold, comforting flavors. Perfect for a cozy, satisfying dinner any night of the week.

    20. Tucsan Chicken Mac and Cheese

    chicken mac and cheese in a white serving bowl with a wooden spoon

    Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese is a creamy, indulgent twist on a classic comfort dish. Tender chicken is seared and tossed with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a rich garlic-Parmesan cheese sauce, all mixed with perfectly cooked macaroni. It’s a hearty, flavor-packed meal perfect for weeknights or cozy dinners.

    21. Easy Chicken Caprese Pasta

    pasta in a skillet

    Easy Chicken Caprese Pasta is a fresh and flavorful dish combining juicy chicken, ripe cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella tossed with pasta and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Inspired by the classic Caprese salad, it’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.

    22. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

    mac and cheese in a black skillet with a wooden spoon

    Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting twist on the classic dish with a healthy boost. The roasted squash blends seamlessly into a rich cheese sauce, adding a hint of sweetness and velvety texture. It’s a cozy, flavorful option the whole family will love.

    23. Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake

    pasta in a white dish with a wooden spoon showing a spoonful

    Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake is a creamy, cheesy comfort dish perfect for busy nights. Tender chicken and pasta are tossed in a rich Alfredo sauce, then baked to golden, bubbly perfection. It’s hearty, satisfying, and easy to make ahead.

    24. Meatball Mac and Cheese

    mac and cheese in a white bowl with a silver spoon

    Meatball Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food mashup, combining juicy meatballs with creamy, cheesy pasta. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a hearty, family-friendly meal that’s both fun and satisfying. Perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.

    25. Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

    pasta in a skillet

    Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta is a bright and comforting dish with a zesty twist. Tender chicken and pasta are coated in a rich, lemon-infused cream sauce that’s both refreshing and satisfying. It’s a perfect balance of light and indulgent, ideal for any night of the week.

    26. Cheesy Beef Tortellini Skillet

    pasta in a black skillet with a wooden spoon showing a spoonful

    Cheesy Beef Tortellini Skillet is a hearty, one-pan meal packed with flavor. Juicy ground beef, cheese-filled tortellini, and a rich tomato sauce are simmered together and topped with melty cheese. It’s a quick, satisfying dinner perfect for busy nights.