Christmas Pasta Recipe: A Hearty and Flavorful Meat Sauce for Your Holiday Feast
Servings: 4 large servings
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Category: Meat
Keywords: Christmas, Pasta, Quick Dinner, < 60 Minutes
Recipe Description
A festive and comforting pasta dish that’s sure to brighten your holiday celebrations! Christmas Pasta brings together a medley of savory meats, aromatic herbs, and rich tomato sauce for a dish that feels like a warm embrace on a cold winter’s day. The combination of pancetta, hot Italian sausage, and ground beef delivers a depth of flavor that’s complemented by the subtle spices of cinnamon and allspice. Perfect for family gatherings, this quick-to-make pasta will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re preparing it for Christmas dinner or simply a special weeknight meal, this recipe is bound to become a seasonal favorite.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Extra virgin olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves |
| Bay leaf | 1 |
| Pancetta (diced) | 1/4 cup |
| Hot Italian sausage (crumbled) | 1/2 pound |
| Ground beef | 1/3 pound |
| Ground pork | 1/3 pound |
| Celery (diced) | 1/3 cup |
| Onion (diced) | 1 large |
| Dry red wine | 1 cup |
| Crushed tomatoes | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Allspice (or cinnamon) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Fresh parsley leaves (chopped) | 2 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1341.6 kcal |
| Total Fat | 37.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 95.4 mg |
| Sodium | 990.9 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 178.2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.1 g |
| Sugars | 8.3 g |
| Protein | 56.9 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by heating a deep pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to the pot and allow it to warm up, swirling it around to coat the bottom evenly. -
Sauté the Aromatics and Pancetta
Once the oil is heated, add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 bay leaf, and 1/4 cup of diced pancetta to the pot. Sauté for about 1 minute, allowing the pancetta to crisp up and the garlic to release its aromatic oils. -
Brown the Meats
Add the crumbled 1/2 pound of hot Italian sausage, 1/3 pound of ground beef, and 1/3 pound of ground pork to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meats as they brown, ensuring an even cook. Continue cooking for about 5-7 minutes until the meats are well-browned and fully cooked through. -
Add the Vegetables
While the meats are browning, chop 1/3 cup of celery, 1 large onion, and 1 medium carrot. Add these vegetables to the pot as you chop them, stirring occasionally to ensure everything gets evenly sautéed with the meat mixture. Allow the vegetables to cook for about 5 minutes, becoming tender. -
Deglaze with Wine
Once the vegetables have softened, pour in 1 cup of dry red wine. Stir and scrape the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful brown bits. Let the wine cook off for about 1 minute, intensifying the flavor of the sauce. -
Add the Tomatoes and Seasoning
Next, add 1 can (14.5 oz) of crushed tomatoes to the pot along with 1/4 teaspoon of allspice (or cinnamon if preferred). Stir everything together and season with salt and pepper to taste. -
Simmer the Sauce
Bring the sauce to a boil, then immediately lower the heat to medium-low. Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and all the flavors meld together. -
Finish the Sauce
Just before serving, stir in 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley to add a burst of color and freshness to the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. -
Serve the Pasta
Cook your favorite pasta (such as fettuccine or pappardelle) according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is cooked and drained, toss it with a couple of ladles of the meat sauce to coat the noodles thoroughly. -
Top and Serve
Serve the pasta on plates, generously topping it with more of the sauce. For an added touch of indulgence, sprinkle a liberal amount of grated Romano or Parmesan cheese over the top.
Tips for a Perfect Christmas Pasta
- Pasta Choice: While this sauce pairs well with any pasta, wider noodles like fettuccine or pappardelle are particularly perfect for catching all the rich sauce. You can also use fresh pasta for an even more luxurious meal.
- Wine Substitution: If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with beef or chicken stock. However, the wine adds a depth of flavor that is hard to replicate.
- Make Ahead: The sauce for this dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Simply reheat the sauce when you’re ready to serve, adding a little water or broth to loosen it if needed.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of hot Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtler heat.
Reviews and Ratings
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Delicious and festive! This Christmas Pasta was a hit with my family during our holiday dinner. The rich sauce and combination of meats make it so flavorful and filling. I will definitely make this again!”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “A perfect pasta recipe for Christmas. I love how quickly it comes together and how much flavor it packs. Definitely a keeper for my holiday meal rotation.”
This Christmas Pasta is the perfect dish to bring warmth and comfort to your holiday table. With its rich and hearty meat sauce, aromatic spices, and fresh herbs, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed by all ages. Whether you’re serving it on Christmas Eve or at a family gathering, this pasta will make your holiday meal truly special. Enjoy!
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