Merry Mozzarella Pizza Pasta
December 9, 2025
Christmas pasta shapes tossed in a creamy pizza-inspired sauce.
Pizza night gets a festive glow-up with this creamy holiday pasta. Christmas-shaped noodles soak up a rich Parmesan sauce blended with marinara, mini pepperoni, and mozzarella for a dinner that feels special without being complicated.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy pizza pasta that combines classic pizza flavors with cozy holiday comfort.
- Kid-approved dinner that feels extra fun thanks to Christmas-shaped pasta.
- Quick weeknight recipe made with simple, familiar ingredients.
- Rich Parmesan mozzarella sauce that coats every noodle perfectly.
- An easy holiday dinner idea for movie nights or casual gatherings.
- Customizable with your favorite pizza toppings or extra cheese.
- A festive twist on traditional pasta that still tastes just like pizza night comfort food.
Ingredient Notes
- Christmas-shaped pasta: Any sturdy holiday shape works best so the noodles hold up to the creamy sauce.
- Marinara sauce: Adjust between ¼ and ⅓ cup depending on how strong you want the pizza flavor.
- Mini pepperoni: Smaller pieces distribute evenly and give little bursts of savory flavor throughout the pasta.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts smooth and keeps the sauce from turning grainy.
- Mozzarella cheese: Whole-milk shredded mozzarella delivers the creamiest melt and classic pizza stretch.
Before You Bake
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Use sturdy Christmas-shaped pasta made from durum wheat so it holds its shape and doesn’t turn soft in the creamy sauce. Small shells, rotini, or bowties work well if holiday shapes aren’t available.
How much marinara should I add?
Start with ¼ cup for a creamier sauce with subtle pizza flavor, or go up to ⅓ cup if you want the tomato taste to come through a little stronger.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the pasta and sauce up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce before serving.
Merry Mozzarella Pizza Pasta
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the Christmas-shaped pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the heavy cream until steaming but not boiling. Whisk in the Parmesan until fully melted and smooth.
- Stir in the marinara, mini pepperoni, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce gently simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the mozzarella and stir until melted into the sauce and silky smooth.
- Fold the cooked Christmas pasta into the sauce until every piece is coated.
FAQ
Can I make this Christmas pizza pasta without pepperoni?
Absolutely. Skip the pepperoni or replace it with cooked sausage, turkey pepperoni, or vegetables like mushrooms or peppers.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Cream-based pasta doesn’t freeze perfectly, as the sauce can separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated and reheated within two days.
How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a small splash of cream or milk, stirring halfway through.
Can I use jarred Alfredo sauce instead of making the cream sauce?
You can, but making the sauce from cream and Parmesan keeps the texture smoother and the flavor more “pizza-inspired” rather than classic Alfredo.
What sides go well with pizza pasta?
Simple garlic bread, a Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables balance out the creamy pasta and keep the meal easy.
Sprinkle of Fun
Turn dinner into a holiday movie marathon moment by serving this Merry Mozzarella Pizza Pasta during a Christmas cartoon classics night. Grinch, Frosty, Rudolph, Charlie Brown, and all the short favorites will let you squeeze in a whole lineup before bedtime. Pile up cozy blankets, serve the pasta straight from the pot with big spoons, and have a low-key holiday night.
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