Craving a meal that’s both comforting and vibrant, even on the busiest of nights? This easy Christmas pasta for weeknights delivers! It’s a delightful blend of simple ingredients, swift preparation, and colors that pop with festive cheer. In just 30 minutes, you can transform everyday fettuccine into a special dish, perfect for adding a touch of holiday magic to your dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Christmas Pasta
This recipe is designed with busy families and beginners in mind, making it an instant favorite.
- Quick & Easy: Get dinner on the table in a speedy 30 minutes, perfect for those hectic weeknights.
- Festive Colors: Bright red tomatoes and fresh green herbs give this dish a beautiful, holiday-ready appearance.
- Creamy & Comforting: Enjoy a rich, savory sauce that wraps around every strand of pasta, offering pure comfort.
- Simple Ingredients: You’ll use readily available ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry.
- Minimal Cleanup: One pot for pasta, one skillet for sauce, making tidying up a breeze. Enjoy this truly easy Christmas pasta for weeknights.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh, simple ingredients to create your festive fettuccine:
- ¾ pound dry fettuccine noodles
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 medium shallot, finely minced
- 1-2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 large Roma tomato, seeded and diced (or 2 small)
- ¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Minced fresh parsley, for serving
- Torn fresh basil leaves, for serving
Notes & Substitutions
- Pasta: Feel free to swap fettuccine for other long pasta shapes like linguine, spaghetti, or even penne if you prefer a shorter cut.
- Herbs: While parsley and basil offer classic flavor, experiment with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or oregano for a different aromatic touch.
- Cheese: Grana Padano is an excellent alternative to Parmesan, offering a similar nutty and salty flavor profile.
- Pasta Water: Reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta cooking water before draining; splashing some into the pan helps the butter, cream, and Parmesan emulsify into a silky sauce that clings beautifully to the fettuccine and prevents it from becoming too thick.
Equipment
You won’t need much special gear to whip up this delicious easy Christmas pasta for weeknights.
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Tongs
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your delightful easy Christmas pasta for weeknights:
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
- Sauté Aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely minced shallot and garlic. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and translucent. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Add Tomatoes & Deglaze: Stir in the diced Roma tomato. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the tomato to soften slightly and caramelize on the bottom of the pan. Pour in thechicken or vegetable broth to deglaze the pan. This technique, known as deglazing, helps capture rich flavors from the pan. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer the broyh for 2-3 minutes, reducing it by at least half.
- Create Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add the unsalted butter and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir continuously with a whisk until the butter has completely melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add Cheese: Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely into the sauce, making it thick and velvety. Taste the sauce and season it generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. If the sauce appears too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta cooking water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Combine & Serve: Immediately transfer the cooked and drained fettuccine noodles directly into the sauce in the skillet. Using tongs, gently toss the pasta with the sauce until every strand is beautifully coated. Serve this festive easy Christmas pasta for weeknights hot, garnished with extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese, minced fresh parsley, and torn fresh basil leaves.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Mastering this dish is simple with a few insider tricks.
- Salt the Pasta Water: Think ocean water! Properly salted water seasons the pasta from the inside out, making a huge difference in flavor. Understanding the science behind salting pasta water can elevate your cooking.
- Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy liquid is your secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency, helping it cling beautifully to the pasta.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Since this dish is so simple, using fresh, high-quality tomatoes, herbs, and Parmesan will elevate the final taste.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Al dente pasta retains a slight bite and prevents it from becoming mushy when tossed with the warm sauce.
- Adjusting Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, gradually whisk in reserved pasta water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer gently for another minute or two, or add a touch more Parmesan.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile easy Christmas pasta for weeknights can adapt to many preferences.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this creamy fettuccine with a slice of crusty garlic bread to soak up every drop of sauce.
- A simple, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
- Always finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh herbs and extra Parmesan for presentation and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
- Allow any leftover pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, gently warm the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth, milk, or water to loosen the sauce as it will thicken. Avoid reheating in the microwave if possible, as it can dry out the pasta.
Recipe Variations
- Add Protein: Sautéed chicken breast, shrimp, or even crumbled Italian sausage would be delicious additions to the sauce.
- Boost Veggies: Stir in fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms at the end for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Spicier Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic and shallots will give the sauce a pleasant warmth.
- Make it Vegetarian: This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly! You can easily make it vegan by substituting plant-based butter, cream, and Parmesan.
Nutrition Information
Please note that the following nutrition information is an estimate based on the ingredients listed and standard serving sizes. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, preparation methods, and any substitutions made. Always consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist for personalized advice.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550 |
| Total Fat | 35g |
| Saturated Fat | 20g |
| Cholesterol | 90mg |
| Sodium | 350mg |
| Total Carbs | 45g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 3g |
| Protein | 18g |
FAQ About Easy Christmas Pasta
Can I make this pasta gluten-free?
Absolutely. Simply substitute the regular fettuccine noodles with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety and follow the package directions for cooking. Look for sturdy gluten-free shapes that hold creamy sauce well, such as gluten-free fettuccine, penne, or rotini.
What makes this pasta “Christmasy”?
The vibrant red of the tomatoes and the fresh green of the basil and parsley naturally evoke classic Christmas colors on your plate. This cozy pasta also pairs beautifully with other holiday mains and sides, making it an easy way to bring festive flavor and color to your weeknight Christmas dinners.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead for quicker weeknight cooking. Prepare it up to the point of adding the Parmesan, then cool and store it in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently on low heat, stir in the cheese until smooth, and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
How can I add extra flavor without wine?
Boost flavor by using a good-quality vegetable or chicken broth, sautéing plenty of garlic and onions until golden, and finishing the sauce with lemon juice, fresh basil, and extra Parmesan. These layers of flavor create a rich, savory Christmas pasta sauce without needing any wine.
Can I freeze this pasta dish?
Freezing is not recommended for this easy Christmas pasta recipe. The creamy sauce tends to separate in the freezer, and the cooked pasta can become soft and mushy after thawing and reheating, so it is best enjoyed fresh or as refrigerated leftovers within a couple of days.
Conclusion
This easy Christmas pasta for weeknights proves that festive meals don’t require hours in the kitchen. With its vibrant colors, creamy texture, and straightforward steps, it’s a perfect meal for busy parents and beginner cooks alike. We encourage you to try this delightful recipe and share your own festive touches. Enjoy the magic of a holiday-inspired dinner, made simple!
Easy Christmas Pasta for Weeknights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine and cook until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced shallot and garlic. Sauté 3–5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in diced tomato and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Pour in broth and deglaze pan, simmering until reduced by half.
- Reduce heat to low. Add butter and cream, whisking until butter is fully melted and sauce is smooth.
- Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until fully melted. Season with salt and pepper. Add pasta water to thin if needed.
- Add cooked fettuccine to the sauce. Toss with tongs until evenly coated. Serve hot with extra Parmesan, parsley, and basil.
Notes
Emily Thompson is a home cook and food enthusiast who believes that great meals bring families together. She loves exploring creative twists on classic American comfort food, always testing new ideas in her kitchen. Emily is passionate about sharing simple, practical recipes and time-saving tips to help busy people enjoy cooking at home. Her approachable style makes every dish accessible, delicious, and perfect for those seeking inspiration for everyday meals and special occasions. Find Emily’s latest creations and kitchen wisdom on yumeasymeals.com.
