Thanksgiving pasta dishes right around the corner, and with it comes the joy of planning a memorable meal that everyone around the table will love. While turkey, stuffing, and pies often steal the spotlight, there’s something special about adding pasta dishes to your holiday spread. Pasta brings a unique blend of comfort, versatility, and warmth — perfect for a holiday that’s all about gratitude and togetherness.
Below, you’ll find 20 cozy pasta recipes that are bursting with fall flavors, packed with seasonal ingredients, and designed to satisfy. Whether you’re aiming for a rich and creamy main dish, a refreshing pasta salad, or a crowd-pleasing side, these recipes are here to add a bit of extra heartiness to your Thanksgiving.
Table of Contents
Why Pasta Makes the Perfect Thanksgiving Side Dish
For many, pasta is a staple year-round. But come Thanksgiving, pasta dishes really shine, offering a welcome contrast to the traditional sides. Here’s why pasta belongs at your Thanksgiving table:
- Versatility: With a range of shapes, textures, and flavors, pasta can be tailored to meet dietary needs or seasonal preferences.
- Seasonal Ingredients: Many autumn flavors pair beautifully with pasta, from creamy pumpkin and butternut squash to sage, mushrooms, and rosemary.
- Balancing Flavors: Pasta’s mild taste lets you experiment with a variety of ingredients without overpowering your Thanksgiving menu.
Let’s dive into these pasta recipes that will surely enhance your holiday spread.
20 Cozy Thanksgiving Pasta Recipes for a Holiday Feast
1-5: Classic and Comforting Thanksgiving Pasta Dishes
- Pumpkin Sage Alfredo Pasta
- Ingredients: Pumpkin puree, garlic, cream, sage, fettuccine.
- Recipe Overview: Rich and creamy, this dish brings out the earthy flavors of pumpkin, balanced with the light herbal note of fresh sage. It’s as comforting as a classic Alfredo but with a delightful fall twist.
- Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna
- Ingredients: Butternut squash, spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, lasagna noodles.
- Recipe Overview: Layered with roasted squash, creamy ricotta, and fresh spinach, this lasagna is hearty enough to serve as a main or a side. Perfectly balanced and packed with color, it adds a beautiful presentation to your table.
- Mushroom Stroganoff with Pasta
- Ingredients: Mushrooms, onion, sour cream, wide noodles.
- Recipe Overview: For a vegetarian-friendly dish, try this creamy stroganoff loaded with mushrooms and a hint of thyme. The flavors meld beautifully, making it a perfect pasta choice for mushroom lovers.
- Mac and Cheese with a Thanksgiving Twist
- Ingredients: Sharp cheddar, breadcrumbs, fall spices.
- Recipe Overview: Upgrade classic mac and cheese by adding spices like nutmeg and smoked paprika for a cozy, Thanksgiving-inspired flavor. This one’s guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Herbed Garlic Parmesan Orzo
- Ingredients: Orzo, garlic, Parmesan, mixed herbs.
- Recipe Overview: Simple yet flavor-packed, this dish works as a side for almost any Thanksgiving main. With fresh herbs and garlic, it’s a light, aromatic addition to balance out heavier dishes.
6-10: Unique Thanksgiving Pasta Dishes
- Brussels Sprout and Pancetta Penne
- Ingredients: Brussels sprouts, pancetta, penne, Parmesan.
- Recipe Overview: Roasted Brussels sprouts add a hint of bitterness balanced by the salty pancetta and creamy Parmesan, creating a pasta dish that’s both refreshing and filling.
- Sweet Potato and Kale Pasta Bake
- Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, kale, pasta shells, cream sauce.
- Recipe Overview: This bake pairs tender sweet potatoes with hearty kale, offering a sweet-savory combination that’s a wonderful twist on traditional pasta bakes.
- Maple Glazed Turkey & Cranberry Pasta Salad
- Ingredients: Cooked turkey, cranberries, pasta, maple dressing.
- Recipe Overview: Imagine a pasta salad with all the classic Thanksgiving flavors: tender turkey, tart cranberries, and a touch of maple sweetness. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for adding variety.
- Sausage, Apple, and Sage Pasta
- Ingredients: Italian sausage, apple, sage, rigatoni.
- Recipe Overview: The sweetness of apple, paired with the richness of sausage, creates a pasta dish that’s flavorful and fragrant. Sage ties it all together for a truly autumnal experience.
- Brown Butter Squash Ravioli
- Ingredients: Butternut squash, ravioli, butter, sage.
- Recipe Overview: Ravioli stuffed with squash and served with a sage-infused brown butter sauce is an absolute treat, showcasing flavors that sing of the season.
11-15: Thanksgiving Pasta Salad Ideas
- Harvest Pasta Salad with Apple, Bacon, and Goat Cheese
- Ingredients: Apples, bacon, goat cheese, pasta spirals.
- Recipe Overview: With crisp apples, smoky bacon, and creamy goat cheese, this pasta salad is a medley of flavors and textures that feel like a taste of autumn in each bite.
- Autumn Pesto Pasta Salad with Walnut Pesto
- Ingredients: Walnut pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, fusilli.
- Recipe Overview: Walnuts give the pesto a nutty richness, while sun-dried tomatoes add brightness, making this a savory yet light pasta salad.
- Cranberry, Walnut, and Spinach Pasta Salad
- Ingredients: Fresh spinach, cranberries, walnuts, farfalle.
- Recipe Overview: A bit tart, a bit sweet, and wonderfully fresh, this pasta salad is perfect for adding some lightness to the table.
- Roasted Carrot and Farfalle Salad
- Ingredients: Roasted carrots, farfalle, thyme, olive oil.
- Recipe Overview: Caramelized carrots and fresh thyme add a sweet, earthy flavor to this salad, making it a bright and vibrant side dish.
- Beet and Goat Cheese Pasta Salad
- Ingredients: Beets, goat cheese, rotini, arugula.
- Recipe Overview: Vibrant beets and creamy goat cheese combine to create a stunning salad that tastes as good as it looks.
16-20: Creamy Thanksgiving Pasta Dishes
- Creamy Cauliflower Alfredo with Garlic and Herbs
- Ingredients: Cauliflower, garlic, cream, fettuccine.
- Recipe Overview: Lighter than traditional Alfredo, this creamy sauce is made with cauliflower, giving it a smooth texture without the heaviness.
- Spinach Artichoke Pasta
- Ingredients: Spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, rigatoni.
- Recipe Overview: Inspired by the classic dip, this pasta dish is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy meal.
- Baked Ziti with Roasted Butternut Squash
- Ingredients: Butternut squash, ricotta, marinara, ziti.
- Recipe Overview: Sweet roasted squash pairs perfectly with creamy ricotta and savory marinara for a hearty baked ziti.
- Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Pasta
- Ingredients: Caramelized onions, goat cheese, linguine.
- Recipe Overview: Sweet caramelized onions and tangy goat cheese make this dish a gourmet addition to the holiday spread.
- Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Rosemary
- Ingredients: Lemon zest, ricotta, rosemary, penne.
- Recipe Overview: Bright lemon and fragrant rosemary make this pasta a light, creamy option that’s bursting with fresh flavors.
Tips for Making Thanksgiving Pasta Dishes Ahead of Time
Prepping in advance lets you enjoy more time with family and friends. Here are some useful tips:
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: If making pasta dishes ahead, cook the pasta slightly under to prevent it from becoming mushy when reheated.
- Store Separately: For pasta salads, keep sauces or dressings separate until serving to avoid sogginess.
- Reheating Tips: Use a splash of broth or water to revive cream-based dishes before reheating.
How to Pair Thanksgiving Pasta with Other Side Dishes
Pairing pasta with traditional sides can bring balance to your meal. Try these suggestions:
- Balance Flavors: If your pasta is creamy, serve it alongside light salads or vegetable sides.
- Wine Pairings: Light red wines, like Pinot Noir, pair beautifully with squash and herb-based pasta dishes. Whites like Sauvignon Blanc add brightness to creamier pasta.
FAQ Section
- What makes pasta a good side dish for Thanksgiving?
- Pasta complements traditional Thanksgiving sides and adds a cozy, filling element to the table.
- Can I prepare these Thanksgiving pasta dishes in advance?
- Many of these pasta dishes are great to prepare ahead, saving you time on the big day.
- **What types of pasta are best for Thanksgiving pasta dishes?**
- Short pasta shapes like penne, farfalle, and rigatoni work well for salads and baked dishes.
- Are there gluten-free options for these recipes?
- Substitute gluten-free pasta in most dishes to meet dietary needs.
- What’s the best way to reheat pasta without it drying out?
- Add a bit of broth or water and cover to retain moisture during reheating.
Conclusion: Enjoy a Cozy, Flavorful Thanksgiving with Pasta
Adding pasta dishes to your Thanksgiving lineup offers comfort, warmth, and a touch of creativity to your holiday. These recipes bring together flavors of the season with the heartiness that only pasta can provide. Try incorporating one (or a few!) into your menu, and savor the smiles they bring around the table.
Ready to bring warmth to your Thanksgiving with a pasta dish? Try one today and transform your holiday feast into a celebration of flavors!
