Thanksgiving is all about gathering with loved ones and enjoying a feast that celebrates the flavors of fall. While turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes are staples of the traditional Thanksgiving menu, pasta dishes can be a delightful addition to your holiday spread. Whether you’re looking for creamy baked options, seasonal flavors, or light pasta salads, there are many ways to incorporate pasta into your Thanksgiving feast. Join us this month as one of your favorite restaurants shares a few pasta dishes that can elevate your holiday table.
Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Brown Butter Sauce
Nothing says fall quite like butternut squash. This ravioli dish is a fantastic way to bring seasonal flavors to your Thanksgiving table. Butternut squash ravioli, either homemade or store-bought, can be dressed up with a simple sage brown butter sauce, offering a nutty and aromatic complement to the creamy squash filling. For a bit of crunch and texture, sprinkle the ravioli with toasted walnuts or pecans.
Pasta Salad with Cranberries, Walnuts, and Feta
If you’re looking for a lighter pasta dish that still feels festive, a pasta salad featuring cranberries, walnuts, and feta cheese is a perfect choice. This cold pasta dish brings together the tartness of dried cranberries, the crunch of toasted walnuts, and the tangy flavor of feta, creating a refreshing and balanced side that pairs well with richer Thanksgiving dishes.
To enhance the flavor, toss the salad in a simple dressing of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of maple syrup. Fresh herbs like parsley or arugula add a burst of color and freshness, making this pasta salad a vibrant addition to the table.
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Spinach and ricotta stuffed shells are a cozy, vegetarian option that brings the warmth of pasta without overpowering the other dishes on the table. The creamy ricotta filling, combined with fresh spinach, makes for a hearty and satisfying side.
Top the shells with marinara sauce, sprinkle with mozzarella, and bake until bubbly. For a seasonal twist, you could add pumpkin puree to the ricotta mixture or use a béchamel sauce flavored with nutmeg and sage.
Roasted Vegetable Pasta Bake
For a pasta dish that highlights the best vegetables of the season, try a roasted vegetable pasta bake. This dish combines penne or rigatoni with roasted brussels sprouts, carrots, bell peppers, and squash. Toss everything in a light tomato sauce or a simple olive oil and garlic base, then bake with a sprinkling of Parmesan and mozzarella until golden brown.
This pasta bake brings a comforting, rustic feel to your Thanksgiving meal and is a great way to incorporate seasonal produce!
Pastamore | Amherst Restaurants
Looking to take some weight off your shoulders this Thanksgiving? You can rely on one of your favorite Italian restaurants to help you out this holiday season. Check out our catering options that can help make Thanksgiving dinner a breeze!
