Christmas Pasta – The Ultimate Holiday Feast!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Rated 4.5 Stars by holiday chefs! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Perfect for Christmas Day feasting and beyond.
• Flavor improves with each reheating - ideal for all-day grazing.
• Feeds a crowd with 4 large, generous servings.

Tools You'll Need

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 bay leaf, fresh or dried
• 1/4 pound pancetta, thick cut, chopped into small bits
• 1/2 pound bulk hot Italian sausage
• 1 pound combined ground beef, pork and veal
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 rib celery, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cup good quality dry red wine
• 1 cup prepared beef stock
• 2 (32-ounce) cans chunky style crushed tomatoes
• A handful chopped flat leaf parsley leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice or cinnamon
• Coarse salt and black pepper
• 2 pounds penne rigate, cooked to al dente
• Grated Pecorino Romano, for serving
• Fresh, crusty bread, for mopping

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat a deep pot over medium high heat. Add oil, garlic, bay, and pancetta bits and brown for 1 minute.
2. Add meats and brown and crumble them for 5 minutes.
3. Chop carrot, celery, and onions near the stove and add to the pot as you work.
4. Cook vegetables with meat 5 minutes and add wine. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Add stock and tomatoes to the pot.
6. Stir in parsley, allspice, or cinnamon and season sauce with salt and pepper, to taste.
7. Bring sauce to a boil, reduce heat to medium low, and cook 10 to 15 minutes minimum before serving.
8. Toss pasta with a couple of ladles of sauce to coat, then top with extra sauce.
9. Top with lots of cheese and serve with crusty bread! 

Pro Tips

• Make ahead magic: This sauce only improves when reheated - perfect for Christmas Day!
• Cook pasta fresh: Only cook half pound pasta for every 3 people as needed throughout the day.
• Use quality red wine - it makes all the difference in the sauce depth.

Recipe Variations

• Meat Lover's: Add spicy Italian sausage or pepperoni for extra kick.
• Short on Time: Use your favorite jarred marinara as a base and add cooked meats.
• Different Pasta: Rigatoni, ziti, or pappardelle all work beautifully.

FAQs

Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use plant-based meat alternatives and vegetable broth. Add mushrooms for umami flavor.

How long does the sauce keep?
Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for 3 months. Perfect for holiday meal prep!

What wine should I use?
Chianti, Sangiovese, or any dry Italian red wine works perfectly.

So there you have it - the most spectacular Christmas Pasta that will become your new holiday tradition!

If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments how your family enjoyed it.