Christmas Pasta

There’s something extra-cheerful about red-and-green foods in December—the combo instantly puts me in the holiday spirit, and it always looks so stunning on the table. With sauteed veggies, juicy shrimp and just enough garlic to make the kitchen smell amazing, this Christmas pasta recipe is colorful, cozy and packed with bright, fresh flavors. It earns its name from the bright green and red bell peppers that pop cheerfully against the pink shrimp and long strands of linguini.

This dish comes together on the stovetop in just two pots, making it a perfect pick for busy Christmas-week dinners or a low-fuss Christmas Eve meal. It also pairs perfectly with a Feast of the Seven Fishes spread—light, flavorful and easy to pair with your favorite seafood dishes. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or cooking something cozy for just a few, this simple vibrant pasta is sure to bring a little holiday warmth to the dinner table.

Christmas Pasta Ingredients

• Linguine: These long, flat noodles have a hearty texture that holds on to every bit of sauce and veggies. Cook the pasta just until al dente so it stays firm when tossed with the hot shrimp mixture.
• Bell peppers: Red and green bell peppers bring a pop of festive color to the dish. Chop them into uniform bite-sized pieces or slice them into thin strips so they cook evenly.
• Onion and garlic: These classic aromatics create a flavorful base for the sauce that fills the kitchen with an irresistible, savory aroma.
• Spices: Dried oregano brings an Italian-inspired herby note, while a pinch of red pepper flakes adds gentle heat. Adjust the spice level to taste—start with a small amount, then add more if you want an extra kick.
• Olive oil: The oil is the backbone of the sauce, so use your favorite extra virgin olive oil for a rich, fruity flavor.
• Shrimp: This recipe calls for 2 pounds of small precooked shrimp that are peeled and deveined. Smaller shrimp are perfect for pasta because they tuck neatly into each bite, but you can use larger ones for a meatier bite. If using precooked frozen shrimp, simply heat them through at the end. If starting with raw shrimp, cook them just until they curl into a gentle C-shape and turn pink and opaque.
• Parmesan cheese: Shredded Parmesan adds a nutty, salty finish and a meltiness that ties everything together. For the best flavor, grate it fresh from a wedge.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the pasta and saute the veggies

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to the package directions. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium heat. Add the bell peppers, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, dried oregano and crushed red pepper flakes. Saute until the vegetables are tender, four to five minutes.

Step 2: Heat the shrimp

Stir the shrimp into the vegetable mixture and cook, stirring frequently, for two to three minutes, just until the shrimp are heated through.

Editor’s Tip: If you’re using raw shrimp instead of precooked, cook them until they turn pink, opaque and curl into a C-shape.

Step 3: Toss it all together

Drain the linguine and add it to the shrimp mixture, tossing to coat. Sprinkle with the shredded Parmesan and serve immediately.

Editor’s Tip: Before draining the noodles, save a cup of the starchy pasta cooking water. Add a splash or two when tossing everything together to make your pasta extra silky and flavorful.

Christmas Pasta Variations

• Swap the protein: Use cooked diced chicken, scallops or sliced sausage links in addition to or instead of shrimp, or make the dish vegetarian by adding more veggies in place of the seafood or meat.
• Include more veggies: Toss sliced zucchini, chopped broccoli florets, halved cherry tomatoes or a few handfuls of baby spinach into the skillet for added flavor, color and nutrition.
• Switch up the pasta: Try a short pasta shape, such as penne or farfalle, for easier eating, or use whole wheat pasta for a heartier bite and a bit more fiber.
• Make it lemony: Toss the pasta and veggie mixture with a bit of lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice for a bright, fresh flavor.
• Add a flavor booster: For extra depth, splash a bit of white wine into the skillet while sauteing the veggies, or stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste for a light tomato-infused sauce that gives the pasta a hint more color.
• Finish with herbs: For an extra-festive touch, garnish the pasta with chopped fresh parsley or basil to add another pop of cheerful green.

How to Store Christmas Pasta

Store leftover Christmas pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The olive oil will solidify when chilled so the pasta may look a little stiff right out of the fridge, but it’ll loosen up once warmed.

Can you make Christmas pasta ahead of time?

It’s best to cook the pasta and shrimp right before serving, but a few components of this Christmas pasta recipe can be prepped ahead to save time. Chop the vegetables and grate the Parmesan up to one day in advance, then store them in separate containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, simply saute the vegetables and toss everything together fresh for the best flavor and texture.

How do you reheat Christmas pasta?

Warm leftover Christmas pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid high heat, which can make the shrimp rubbery. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Christmas Pasta Tips

Can you use raw shrimp?

Yes! Precooked shrimp are a convenient option, but raw shrimp work just as well and cook through in just a few minutes. Add them to the same skillet as the veggies and cook for one to two minutes per side, just until pink, opaque and curled into a C-shape.

Can I serve Christmas pasta with the Feast of the Seven Fishes?

Absolutely! This shrimp-filled Christmas pasta recipe is a perfect addition to any Feast of the Seven Fishes celebration. The light, garlicky olive oil and colorful peppers make it a festive and flavorful option that pairs well with other seafood dishes. Try serving it alongside classics like baked cod, calamari, mussels or scallops for a well-rounded holiday spread.

What can you serve with Christmas pasta?

This festive Christmas pasta pairs well with simple, comforting sides like buttery garlic bread or warm focaccia for soaking up the garlicky sauce. A crisp green salad or classic Caesar brings freshness to your plate, or you can pair the pasta with roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or green beans for extra color and nutrition. You could also set out an antipasto platter with mozzarella, olives and roasted peppers to round out the cozy, Italian-style spread.