Best 3 Christmas Eve Confetti Pasta Recipes

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Indulge in a festive culinary journey with our enticing Christmas Eve Confetti Pasta recipes. Embark on a delightful adventure as you explore a medley of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. Discover the magic of vibrant, confetti-like pasta adorned with an array of colorful and flavorful ingredients, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Choose from a symphony of recipes, including the classic Italian Confetti Pasta with its vibrant mix of sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and capers. Experience a burst of freshness with the vibrant Green Confetti Pasta, featuring tender asparagus, vibrant spinach, and zesty lemon. For a touch of elegance, try the sophisticated Smoked Salmon Confetti Pasta, adorned with luxurious smoked salmon, silky cream sauce, and bursts of briny capers. And for a vegetarian delight, delve into the hearty Mushroom and Spinach Confetti Pasta, brimming with earthy mushrooms, tender spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce. Each recipe promises a unique symphony of flavors and textures, ensuring an unforgettable Christmas Eve celebration.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

CONFETTI SPAGHETTI



Confetti Spaghetti image

It's not uncommon for folks to go back for second helpings of this hearty main dish when I share it at church potluck suppers. The combination of ground beef, noodles, cheese and a zippy tomato sauce is a crowd-pleaser. -Katherine Moss, Gaffney, South Carolina

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 55m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 package (16 ounces) spaghetti
1-1/2 pounds ground beef
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef, green pepper and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in next 8 ingredients. Drain spaghetti; add to beef mixture. , Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Cover and bake 30 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with cheese. Bake until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes longer.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 259 calories, Fat 10g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 42mg cholesterol, Sodium 424mg sodium, Carbohydrate 27g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 16g protein.

CHRISTMAS PASTA



Christmas Pasta image

We eat fish on Christmas Eve, no meat allowed. After Midnight Mass, all bets are off! We make this sauce for Christmas Day: you can't fit another meat in the pot! As many times as you reheat it, it just gets that much better, so if people are coming and going throughout the day, cook off only as much pasta as you need at the time -- half a pound for every 3 people. The sauce will cover up to 2 pounds of pasta. If you are making this full menu, prepare the fudge and chill while your sauce simmers and before you prepare your salad. When you are done eating your 30 minute meal, the fudge will have chilled for 45 minutes and will then be firm enough to slice. Happy Holidays and Merry Eating!

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 35m

Yield 4 large servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

1/4 pound pancetta, thick cut, chopped into small bits (Italian cured pork, ask at deli counter)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 pound bulk hot Italian sausage
1 pound combined ground beef, pork and veal
4 cloves garlic, crushed
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, paper container or canned
2 (32-ounce) cans chunky style crushed tomatoes
Handful chopped flat-leaf parsley
1/4 teaspoon (a couple of pinches) allspice or cinnamon
Coarse salt and black pepper
2 pounds penne rigate, cooked to al dente
Grated Pecorino Romano, as an accompaniment
Fresh, crusty bread, for mopping

Steps:

  • Heat a deep pot over medium-high heat. Add pancetta and brown to render the fat. Transfer pancetta to paper towels to drain. To the pan add the oil, and the meats and brown and crumble them for 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, and pancetta bits.
  • Chop carrot, celery, and onions near the stove and add to the pot as you work. Cook vegetables with meat 5 minutes and add wine. Cook for 1 minute; add stock and tomatoes to the pot.
  • Stir in parsley, allspice, or cinnamon and season sauce with salt and pepper, to taste. Bring sauce to a boil, reduce heat to medium low, and cook 10 to 15 minutes, minimum, before serving. Reheated sauce only improves.
  • Toss pasta (cook off only as much pasta as you need at the time: half a pound for every 3 people) with a couple of ladles of sauce to coat, then top bowl with extra sauce. Top pasta with lots of cheese and pass bread at the table.

CHRISTMAS PASTA



Christmas Pasta image

We eat fish on Christmas Eve - no meat allowed. After Midnight Mass, all bets are off! We make this sauce for Christmas Day; you can't fit another meat in the pot! As many times as you reheat it, it just gets that much better, so if people are coming and going throughout the day, cook off only as much pasta as you need at the time - half a pound for every three people.

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 35m

Yield 4 large servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

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 (Italian cured pork, ask at deli counter)
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, paper container or canned
2 (32-ounce) cans chunky style crushed tomatoes
A handful chopped flat leaf parsley leaves
1/4 teaspoon (a couple of pinches) allspice or cinnamon
Coarse salt and black pepper
2 pounds penne rigate, cooked to al dente
Grated Pecorino Romano, as an accompaniment
Fresh, crusty bread, for mopping

Steps:

  • Heat a deep pot over medium high heat. Add oil, garlic, bay, and pancetta bits and brown for 1 minute. Add meats and brown and crumble them for 5 minutes.
  • Chop carrot, celery, and onions near the stove and add to the pot as you work. Cook vegetables with meat 5 minutes and add wine. Cook for 1 minute; add stock and tomatoes to the pot.
  • Stir in parsley, allspice, or cinnamon and season sauce with salt and pepper, to taste. Bring sauce to a boil, reduce heat to medium low, and cook 10 to 15 minutes minimum before serving. Reheated sauce only improves.
  • Toss pasta (cook off only as much pasta as you need at the time: half a pound for every 3 people) with a couple of ladles of sauce to coat, then top bowl with extra sauce. Top pasta with lots of cheese and pass bread at the table.

Tips:

  • Ensure pasta is cooked al dente: Slightly firm to the bite, this prevents overcooking and mushiness.
  • Use fresh, colorful vegetables: Vibrant veggies like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini add texture and nutrition.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan: Cook vegetables in batches if necessary to avoid steaming and ensure even cooking.
  • Season vegetables with herbs and spices: Enhance their flavor with garlic, basil, oregano, or a simple salt and pepper blend.
  • Use a flavorful cheese: Parmesan, cheddar, or crumbled goat cheese add richness and depth to the dish.
  • Don't overmix the pasta: Combine pasta and sauce gently to prevent breaking the delicate noodles.
  • Serve immediately: Confetti pasta is best enjoyed fresh and warm, topped with additional cheese or herbs if desired.

Conclusion:

Confetti pasta is a vibrant, flavorful dish that's perfect for festive occasions or everyday meals. With its colorful mix of vegetables, tender pasta, and creamy Alfredo sauce, it's sure to be a hit. Whether you follow the recipe precisely or use it as inspiration for your own culinary creation, the key is to have fun and enjoy the process. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let's get cooking!

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