Like most Italians, our family avoids meat on Christmas Eve. Although we don’t prepare the Feast of the Seven Fishes (which is an Italian-American custom, usually unknown in Italy), we commemorate the long tradition of eating seafood on The Vigil (la Vigilia, in Italian) with a delicious festive menu. Our Christmas Eve dinner usually consists of a few appetizers (smoked salmon tartines and dried cod mousse are always on the menu), a meatless pasta dish and a main fish course. In this post we’ve put together a collection of meatless pasta recipes that are easy to make and quick to prepare. We’re sure they will win some compliments at your next holiday party.
7 meatless pasta recipes for Christmas Eve Dinner and the Feast of the Seven Fishes:
1. Corzetti pasta with white clams, potatoes and sage
This simple and comforting pasta dish combines potatoes and white clams for a tasty, cozy Christmas dinner. The addition of sage instantly elevates the flavor of the corzetti, making it a sophisticated meatless pasta dish.
2. Corzetti pasta with blue cheese and dark chocolate
Some people don’t like fish. Packed with flavor and guaranteed to impress, this meatless pasta dish could be a good option for the non-fish-eaters in your family.
3. Corzetti pasta with pan seared salmon, olives and truffle oil
Nothing is more festive than this meatless pasta recipe! Salmon and truffle are a match made in heaven and create a sophisticated dish when added to corzetti pasta.
4. Corzetti pasta with oranges, anchovies and walnuts
Oil-packed anchovies are a classic ingredient on Christmas menu. Their salty flavor combines beautifully with the sweetness of fresh oranges.
5. Red-wine corzetti pasta
Vegans at your table? Impress them with this meatless pasta recipe! Easy to make and great for feeding a crowd, this corzetti pasta is a delicious vegan dish, perfect for Christmas Eve dinner.
6. Corzetti pasta with basil pesto and burrata cheese
A fan of Italian cheeses? Try this simple pasta recipe! It involves basil pesto and the creamiest formaggio: burrata.
7. Corzetti pasta with walnut pesto
Make this meatless pasta recipe for the kids! Easy to make and full of flavor, this walnut sauce is a variation on the traditional Ligurian pesto that kids will love.