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:

lasagna on a white plate

Easy Lasagna: when I say easy, I mean it! This recipe would be perfect as a main dish and is made with no-boil noodles and a simple meat sauce.

pumpkin alfredo pasta on a white plate with a silver fork

Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta: since pumpkin is technically a holiday flavor, this dish is wonderful to serve around Christmas. It has a subtle, nutty pumpkin flavor and is ready in just 20 minutes!

noodles in a skillet

Chicken Pot Pie Noodles: whip up the classic taste of chicken pot pie, without all of the prep work of a traditional crust. It’s simple, hearty, and ready in 30 minutes.

pasta in a skillet

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet: this comfort dish contains all of classic chicken parm flavors, made in one skillet and ready in minutes.

pasta in a white bowl

Creamy Sausage and Mushroom Rigatoni: this recipe would make a tasty main dish or hearty side dish. Sausage, mushrooms, and rigatoni are tossed in the most delectable cream sauce that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

tortellini in a white dish

Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce: this easy recipe is made with tomato sauce, ground beef, fresh tortellini, and lots of Parmesan cheese. It’s baked until bubbly and golden, making this extra cozy comfort food.

pumpkin mac and cheese in a white dish

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese: love pumpkin and creamy mac and cheese? Then you’ll adore this baked version, complete with a cheesy filling and crisp topping.

pasta and chicken on a white plate

Chicken and Asparagus Orzo: this pasta dish is an all-in-one recipe, featuring seasoned chicken, tender asparagus, and orzo in a creamy, flavorful herb sauce.

ziti on a white plate

Easy Baked Ziti: don’t let the name scare you away, this baked ziti really is simple to make! With an easy meat sauce and three typs of cheese, you can have this hot and hearty dinner on the table in an hour.

pasta in a black skillet

One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta: the name says it all…everything is made in just one skillet and loaded with tons of flavor.

Pasta on a white plate

Instant Pot Pesto Chicken Pasta: grab your pressure cooker for a stunningly delicious chicken pasta. If you love basil, garlic, and pesto, this will be your new favorite dish.

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

Lasagna Rolls: if you love traditional lasagna but hate all of the prep work, then these easy rolls were made for you. In fact, this hearty dish is ready in 30 minutes.

pasta in a black skillet with a wooden spoon

Creamy Ground Beef Pasta: this recipe is ready in minutes and just happens to be a favorite of mine. It’s made with a simple tomato cream sauce, ground beef, and a variety of seasonings.

tortellini in a black skillet

Chicken Bacon Ranch Tortellini: it might be a mouthful to say, but it’s even better to eat! It’s ready in just 25 minutes and so flavorful.

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

Easy Baked Spaghetti: with an easy meat sauce and no need to boil the pasta before-hand, this simple spaghetti is baked in the oven.

casserole in a white dish

Chicken and Noodle Casserole: this dish scream cozy and delicious comfort food. Chicken, noodles, and veggies are paired with an easy cream sauce and baked until warm and golden.

mac and cheese in a white bowl

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese: you can’t let the holidays pass by without a simple, stove top mac and cheese that’s ultra creamy and ultra cheesy. It also has thousands of 5-star reviews on Pinterest and Google…it’s just that good!

chicken masala pasta on a white serving platter

Chicken Marsala Pasta: this Italian-American classic is simplified and tossed with tender pasta. It would make a decadent main dish or side dish for your holiday festivities.

gnocchi in a black skillet

Sausage Gnocchi: Italian sausage and pillowy gnocchi is tossed in tomato cream sauce and made in one pan.

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

Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese: made in just one pot and ready in no time, you’ll love the zesty Tuscan flavors and tender chicken.

pasta in a skillet

Easy Chicken Caprese Pasta: if you’re looking for a lighter pasta to serve, this bright and fresh recipe will hit the spot. It’s made with tender chicken, cherry tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, and tossed in a zesty balsamic sauce.

mac and cheese in a black skillet with a wooden spoon

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese: take advantage of butternut squash being in season and combine it with cheesy macaroni. It’s a simple, yet decadent dish that would wow your tastebuds.

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

Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake: if you need a casserole for a crowd, everyone will love this creamy pasta bake. It’s picky kiddo (and husband) approved!

mac and cheese in a white bowl with a silver spoon

Meatball Mac and Cheese: with homemade meatballs and two types of cheese, this is a fun twist on traditional macaroni and cheese.

pasta in a skillet

Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta: ready in less than 25 minutes, you’ll love the brigh lemon flavors, combined with a cream sauce and tender, seasoned chicken.

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

Cheesy Beef Tortellini Skillet: this popular recipe is an easy, one pan meal that features ground beef, tortellini, cheese, and seasonings.