It’s that time of year again! As we head into another holiday season, it’s time to start thinking about what kinds of dishes you’ll be preparing for guests when they drop by. Hosting friends and family over the festive period is what makes this time of year so special. However, it does put a lot of pressure on the resident chef in your home. If that’s you, don’t fret! Olivieri® is here to inspire you with a host of crowd-pleasing pasta recipes that are both delicious and easy to prepare. From hearty lasagna recipes to shareable snacks, we’ve got recipes to please everyone.
Quick and Easy Gnocchi Recipes for Impromptu Gatherings
Let’s face it: we’ve all been there. The holiday season is in full swing, and you get a phone call out of the blue from an old friend. Nothing would please you more than to catch up with them, but what can you cook at such short notice? If this dilemma sounds familiar, then you’ve come to the right place. Gnocchi provides the perfect base for a whole variety of quick and easy meals. For a hearty meat option, simply whip up this Skillet Gnocchi Meatball Extravaganza recipe. All you need is 20 minutes, and it’s ready to serve.
Alternatively, if you’d like to rustle up a delicious dish to share, try these 15-minute Gnocchi Skillet Nachos. But what makes this dish stand out? Well, it’s made with Olivieri® Fresh Cheddar Bacon Skillet Gnocchi, which brings flavour and comfort to every bite.
Finally, if you’d like to show off your finger food skills, here’s a quick and easy recipe you can serve on a platter and pass around. These Gnocchi Pizza Bites are sure to be a hit among grown-ups and little ones alike. Made with Olivieri® Tomato Mozzarella Skillet Gnocchi wrapped in mild soppressata, these delightful delicacies provide all the flavour and comfort of pizza in bite-sized treats. The best part? They’re ready in just 10 minutes.
Mouthwatering Mains in Minutes – Your Festive Lifesaver
Now it’s time to turn our attention to main dishes. Nothing beats hosting friends and family and treating them to a delicious home-cooked meal, right? But this doesn’t have to mean marathon hours spent slaving over the stove. The holiday season is to be enjoyed, not endured; that’s why we’ve got two delicious, stress-free mains for you to add to your repertoire.
First up is this enticing Spinach Ravioli with Sausage and Mushrooms. Hearty, savoury, and earthy, as far as winter comfort foods go, this dish has got it all. Serve it with a refreshing leaf salad on the side, and you’ve got a delicious meal in just 15 minutes.
Got a little more time to spare? Great. Then why not reach for a classic and whip up this irresistible Old Fashioned Lasagna recipe? Few dishes evoke the feelings of warmth and comfort better than a home-cooked lasagna. The good news is that with our recipe, you can make this traditional Italian dish in just 40 minutes to prepare. All you have to do then is let your oven work its magic!
Chef’s Tip: If you’d prefer a meat-free lasagna, this Roasted Zucchini Lasagna Recipe is ideal.
Sweet Treat for the Holiday Season
Finally, to end your festive gathering on a sweet note, we’ve got something quirky and creative up our sleeve. Intrigued? Enter our Churro-Style Gnocchi Bites. Yes, you’ve read that right. Simply sauté gnocchi like always, sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on top and then drizzle with creamy dulce de leche.
Frequently Asked Questions about Holiday Entertaining With Pasta
Pasta is versatile, affordable, and universally loved, making it ideal for feeding a crowd. You can easily scale recipes up or down, offer a variety of sauces or toppings to suit different tastes, and prepare many dishes ahead to reduce day-of stress.
As a general rule, plan for 85–110 g (3–4 oz) of dry pasta per adult when serving as a main course, and 55–70 g (2–2½ oz) per person for a side dish. If children are attending or you’re offering multiple courses, you can scale back slightly.
Baked pasta dishes like lasagna, baked ziti, or creamy casseroles are excellent options since they can be assembled ahead of time and reheated just before serving. Cold pasta salads and room-temperature antipasto-style pasta dishes also work well for buffet-style gatherings.
Holiday pasta menus can be easily adapted. Keep gluten-free pasta on hand for guests with sensitivities, offer vegetarian or vegan sauces like tomato basil marinara or roasted vegetable pesto, and serve proteins such as grilled chicken or shrimp on the side so guests can customize their plates.
After draining, toss pasta lightly with a bit of olive oil if it’s being held before serving. If adding sauce later, keep the pasta slightly undercooked (al dente) so it stays tender when reheated or combined.
Yes. Pasta reheats very well. Add a splash of water, broth, or extra sauce before reheating to keep it moist. Cover and warm in the oven or microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally for even heat distribution.
Most baked pasta dishes can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated until ready to bake. Sauces can be made 2–3 days in advance, and many freeze beautifully for stress-free prep weeks before your event.
Now that you’ve got plenty of inspiration for crowd-pleasing recipes, you can relax and enjoy the rest of the holiday season with the people you love most in the world. For more expert cooking tips and exciting new recipes, make sure to drop by the Olivieri® Kitchen.