Christmas Pesto Pasta Recipe | Festive, Flavorful Holiday Dish

I made this Christmas Pesto Pasta last weekend, and it instantly became one of my favorite festive dishes of the season. The swirl of red marinara, white alfredo, and green pesto looks just like Christmas on a plate — and it tastes even better!

I love how the creamy, tangy, and herby flavors blend together in every bite. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy enough for a holiday dinner but easy enough for a cozy night in.

Trust me, once you make it, it’ll become a holiday tradition in your home too — much like my beloved Pappadeaux Mardi Gras Pasta Recipe, which brings bold flavors to the table.

Ingredients

(Note: several servings)

1 lb (about 450 g) pasta of choice — I like to use fresh pasta if I can find it; it absorbs sauce more gently than dried.
16 ounces (≈ 450 ml) marinara sauce — homemade or high-quality store-bought sauce works best for a rich tomato flavor.
11–15 ounces (≈ 310–425 ml) alfredo sauce — creamy and smooth; you can make your own or use a good jarred version.
4–6 ounces (≈ 115–170 g) pesto sauce — fresh basil pesto adds vibrant color and an aromatic touch.
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese — always grate it fresh; pre-grated versions tend to be dry and less flavorful.

Pro Tips:

Avoid using frozen spinach or greens in the pesto; they add too much water and dull the flavor.
Use fresh, refrigerated pesto for the brightest green color and freshest basil aroma.
Salt your pasta water generously — it’s the only chance you get to flavor the pasta itself.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully and enhances the creamy texture of the sauces.

Variations

Get creative with this recipe! It’s versatile and can be adjusted for different dietary preferences or taste preferences.

Dairy-Free / Vegan: Use a vegan alfredo made from cashews or coconut milk, and swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast or vegan cheese.
Low-Fat Option: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half in the alfredo sauce, or use light cream cheese for a creamy but lighter texture.
Add-Ins: Toss in grilled chicken, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Herby Twist: Mix spinach or kale with basil when making pesto for a deeper green hue and added nutrients.
Spicy Touch: Add a pinch of red chili flakes to the marinara sauce for a subtle heat that balances the creamy elements.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large pot — for boiling pasta evenly and efficiently.
Colander — to drain the cooked pasta.
Saucepans (2–3) — for heating or preparing each sauce separately.
Serving platter or bowl — to present the pasta in layers of red, white, and green.
Cheese grater — to grate fresh Parmesan for maximum flavor.
Ladle or serving spoon — for portioning and layering sauces neatly.

How to Make Christmas Pesto Pasta

A simple but stunning dish that combines the best of Italian sauces into a festive masterpiece. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.

Prepare the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a generous pinch of salt. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and drizzle with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Warm the Sauces

While the pasta is cooking, gently heat the marinara, alfredo, and pesto sauces in separate saucepans. This keeps each sauce warm and ready for layering. If making homemade sauces, prepare them ahead so they’re ready to go when the pasta finishes.

Assemble the Pasta

Place the cooked pasta on a large serving platter. Spoon the marinara sauce over one-third of the pasta, the alfredo sauce over another third, and the pesto sauce over the remaining portion. Try to keep each section distinct so the colors show clearly — it’s what gives this dish its Christmas charm.

Toss and Serve

Just before serving, gently toss the sauces together in the center to create a beautiful swirl of red, white, and green. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil for extra shine.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Here are a few of my favorite tricks I’ve learned after making this dish a few times:

I like to reserve a small cup of pasta cooking water before draining — it helps thin the sauces slightly and binds them together perfectly.
I always taste and adjust the salt and pepper after mixing; every sauce brand has different seasoning levels.
I’ve found that using slightly less pesto than the other sauces keeps the flavors balanced and prevents it from overpowering the dish.
I sometimes add a handful of fresh basil leaves or cherry tomato halves for a more festive presentation.
For the best flavor, serve immediately while warm — the sauces cling beautifully to hot pasta.

How to Serve Christmas Pesto Pasta

Presentation is everything with this colorful pasta. Serve it in a shallow, wide bowl or a white platter so the colors really pop. Before bringing it to the table, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the top and garnish with fresh basil leaves or a few toasted pine nuts. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds shine and a silky finish.

Pair it with warm garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a crisp side salad for a full holiday meal. If you want to round out the meal, try pairing this with Buttermilk Biscuits with Chorizo Cream Gravy Recipe for a savory, comforting side.

Nutritional Information

Each serving (based on 6 servings) contains approximately:

Calories: ~450 kcal
Protein: ~15 g
Carbohydrates: ~45 g
Fat: ~22 g

These values can vary depending on the type of sauces and pasta you use, but it’s a well-balanced comfort dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit after a day or two, but the pasta may absorb some sauce, so you might want to add a touch of extra sauce before reheating.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, though pesto may darken slightly. Freeze in individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Label each container for easy reheating later.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or milk to restore the creaminess. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent the sauce from separating.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to love this Christmas Pesto Pasta — it’s festive, flavorful, and completely foolproof. Here’s why it stands out:

Visually Stunning: The red, white, and green sauces bring instant holiday cheer and make the dish look restaurant-worthy.
Quick and Easy: It requires minimal effort — just boil pasta, heat sauces, and assemble. Perfect for busy holiday evenings.
Customizable: You can make it creamy, light, vegan, or packed with protein depending on your mood or dietary needs.
Balanced Flavors: The combination of tangy marinara, rich alfredo, and herby pesto creates harmony in every bite.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults both love it — it’s festive comfort food that everyone enjoys together.

This Christmas Pesto Pasta Recipe is my go-to when I want something cheerful, delicious, and incredibly easy to pull together. The bright colors and bold flavors make it the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table. Whether you serve it as a main dish or a side, it’s sure to bring a little extra holiday sparkle to your dinner.

Ash Tyrrell