Creamy Christmas Fettuccine Pasta Recipe

I absolutely adore this recipe because it perfectly blends creamy, cheesy goodness with the unexpected pop of sweetness from the cranberries and the satisfying tenderness of peas. Tossing in some bacon for a smoky kick makes it feel like a cozy, indulgent hug in a bowl—ideal for any millennial dinner party or a cozy night in.

I adore crafting celebratory recipes that radiate the charm of the holiday season, and my Creamy Christmas Fettuccine Pasta is nothing short of enchanting. This delightful pasta marries the 12 oz of fettuccine with the opulence of cream and freshly grated Parmesan.

The nudges of nutmeg and the cranberries’ brightness take this fettuccine from comforting to utterly soul-warming. The sauce is mind-blowingly rich and velvety, thanks to the combination of butter and olive oil.

Pearl ciabatta, as I’m wont to say, might be the perfect accompaniment to soak up the luscious sauce. One thing I must insist upon, though: do not skip the parsley.

Garnishing this dish with fresh herbs is a must for both flavor and presentation.

Ingredients

Fettuccine Pasta has nutrients that offer energy and classic texture.

Heavily whipped cream: Luxuriously rich and creamy; adds astounding texture, amazing heartiness, and terrific depth.

Parmesan cheese: Contributes umami and saltiness, alongside protein and calcium.

The potential health benefits of garlic come from its aroma and flavor, which are anything but subtle.

Olive oil consists of nutritious fats and is a powerful enhancer of flavor, all the while promoting cardiovascular health.

Green peas: An addition that is bright and sweet.

Peas offer fiber, vitamins, and a vibrant color that pops.

Cranberries, when dried, provide a sweet-tart contrast that creates an appearance of festivity.

Ingredient Quantities

• 12 oz fettuccine pasta
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 cup fresh or frozen peas, thawed
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
• 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook it according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture; then, drain the pasta, and set it aside.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the butter and olive oil. When the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, and warm them through for 3-4 minutes.

4. Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.

5. Ensure even distribution as you season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.

6. Fold in the peas and dried cranberries with care, letting them warm up for 2-3 minutes.

7. Toss the cooked fettuccine gently with the sauce, making sure the pasta is completely enrobed in the creamy concoction.

8. If you want, you can stir in the cooked and crumbled bacon for an added hit of flavor.

9. Move the creamy fettuccine to the serving plates, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley.

10. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this festive dish right away.

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Large skillet
3. Wooden spoon or spatula
4. Measuring cups
5. Measuring spoons
6. Grater (for Parmesan cheese)
7. Knife
8. Cutting board
9. Colander (for draining pasta)
10. Tongs (for tossing pasta)
11. Serving plates

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of pasta?Yes, you can use linguine or spaghetti in place of fettuccine if you prefer.
• How can I make this dish vegetarian?Omit the chicken broth and cooked bacon. Use vegetable broth instead.
• Is there a dairy-free option?Coconut cream and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute can be used to create a version of the dish that is free from dairy ingredients.
• Can I prepare this dish in advance?The sauce is best served fresh, but you can make it ahead of time and gently reheat it when ready to serve.
• What can I use instead of dried cranberries?Dried cherries can be part of this recipe, or you can skip them if you want something less sweet.
• How can I thicken the sauce?Should the sauce have a weak consistency, allow it to simmer for a few additional minutes. Alternatively, you might add a bit more Parmesan cheese to the mix to give it a nice, thick texture.
• Can I add vegetables to this recipe?Definitely, think about including extra flavor and nutrition with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.

Substitutions and Variations

You can use half-and-half for a lighter option, or coconut cream for a dairy-free, alternative. (You can use several things.)
Substitute Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano for Parmigiano Reggiano; they share a broader flavor profile and will yield a similar flavor.
In the absence of chicken broth, broth made from vegetables can be substituted to create a dish that is friendly to vegetarians.
Replace fresh or frozen peas with asparagus tips or green beans, cut into small pieces.
Raisins or dried cherries can substitute for dried cranberries, providing a different sort of sweetness.

Pro Tips

1. Reserve Pasta Water Before draining the fettuccine, reserve about half a cup of the pasta cooking water. You can add a splash of this starchy water to the sauce while tossing the pasta to help the sauce adhere better and achieve a silky texture.

2. Warm Your Bowls To keep the dish hot while serving, warm your serving bowls or plates in the oven or with hot water before plating the pasta. This helps maintain the dish’s temperature longer.

3. Garlic Infusion When sautéing the garlic, make sure not to let it brown too much as it can turn bitter. Keep stirring and watch closely—it should be just golden and aromatic.

4. Balance Flavors Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary. The sweetness of the peas and cranberries should be nicely balanced with the saltiness of the parmesan and bacon, so tweak as needed.

5. Enhance the Presentation For a vibrant finishing touch, zest a bit of lemon over the serving plates just before garnishing with parsley. This will add a fresh, citrusy note that complements the creaminess of the pasta beautifully.