Delicious Christmas Italian Dinner Ideas Baked Ziti Classic Lasagna Chicken Alfredo and Tasty Sides
- Lamar Newby
- 5 hours ago
- 4 min read
Italian cuisine offers some of the most comforting and satisfying meals you can prepare at home. Whether you want a hearty baked ziti, a classic meat lasagna, or a creamy chicken Alfredo, these dishes bring rich flavors and warmth to your dinner table. Pair them with simple sides like garlic bread, fresh salads, and roasted vegetables to complete the meal. This guide will walk you through how to make these dishes step-by-step, including ingredients and cooking instructions, so you can enjoy an authentic Italian dinner any night of the week.
How to Make Baked Ziti
Baked ziti is a crowd-pleaser that combines pasta, tomato sauce, cheese, and sometimes meat. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a family or guests.
Ingredients
1 pound ziti pasta
1-pound Italian sausage or ground beef
3 cups marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the meat sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add sausage or ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Add marinara sauce: Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with the meat. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine pasta and sauce: In a large bowl, mix cooked ziti with the meat sauce. Add ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella. Stir gently to combine.
Assemble and bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Prepare Classic Meat Lasagna
Lasagna is a timeless Italian dish with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese. This classic meat lasagna recipe is rich and filling, perfect for special occasions or weekend dinners.
Ingredients
12 lasagna noodles
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups marinara sauce
15 ounces ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
Cook noodles: Boil lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and lay flat on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Make meat sauce: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft. Add ground beef, cook until browned. Drain fat. Add marinara sauce, simmer for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Prepare cheese mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
Layer the lasagna: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce. Add a layer of noodles, then spread ricotta mixture, sprinkle mozzarella, and add meat sauce. Repeat layers until ingredients are used, finishing with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 25 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
Rest and serve: Let lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
How to Cook Chicken Alfredo
Chicken Alfredo is a creamy pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a rich Parmesan sauce. It’s quick to make and always a hit.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
12 ounces fettuccine pasta
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cook pasta: Boil salted water and cook fettuccine until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Cook chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6 minutes per side. Remove and slice thinly.
Make Alfredo sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine: Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Perfect Side Dishes to Complement Your Italian Dinner
No Italian meal is complete without the right sides. These simple dishes add texture and freshness to your dinner.
Garlic Bread
Use a baguette or Italian bread sliced lengthwise.
Mix softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt.
Spread the mixture on the bread and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy.
Caesar or Garden Salad
For Caesar salad: Romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, croutons, and shaved Parmesan.
For garden salad: Mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and your favorite vinaigrette.
Roasted Vegetables
Chop vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli.
Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
Sweet Finishes with Holiday Cookies, Brownies, and Cake Slices
After a rich Italian dinner, a sweet treat is the perfect ending. Offering a variety of desserts lets everyone pick their favorite.
Assorted holiday cookies: Gingerbread, sugar cookies, or biscotti add a festive touch.
Brownies: Rich and fudgy, brownies satisfy chocolate cravings.
Cake slices: Choose classic flavors like tiramisu, chocolate, or vanilla for a simple but elegant dessert.
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