Thanksgiving dinner is known for turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and plenty of comforting side dishes. But adding a delicious pasta dish to your holiday table can make the meal even more satisfying—especially when you’re feeding a crowd.
From creamy baked pasta and pumpkin sauces to cheesy casseroles, garlic-butter noodles, and hearty pasta dishes loaded with seasonal vegetables, these 25 Thanksgiving pasta recipes are perfect for family dinners, Friendsgiving celebrations, holiday potlucks, and cozy fall gatherings.
Whether you’re looking for a Thanksgiving pasta side dish, a vegetarian recipe, or a hearty pasta main course, there’s something for everyone in this collection.
1. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Creamy garlic Parmesan pasta is simple, comforting, and pairs beautifully with roasted turkey.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fettuccine or penne
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain the pasta.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds.
- Pour in heavy cream.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Add Parmesan and Italian seasoning.
- Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Add pasta and toss.
- Add pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Serving Tip
Add grilled chicken or roasted turkey pieces to turn this into a hearty main dish.
2. Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pasta
Pumpkin creates a naturally creamy sauce with a subtle sweetness that’s perfect for fall.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves
- ½ teaspoon sage
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta until al dente.
- Melt butter in a large skillet.
- Add garlic and sage.
- Cook for about 30 seconds.
- Add pumpkin puree and heavy cream.
- Stir well.
- Add Parmesan and nutmeg.
- Simmer for 3–5 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta.
- Toss until completely coated.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Serving Tip
Top with toasted pumpkin seeds and extra Parmesan.
3. Baked Mac and Cheese
No Thanksgiving pasta collection would be complete without creamy baked macaroni and cheese.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella
- ½ cup Parmesan
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook macaroni until slightly under al dente.
- Melt butter in a saucepan.
- Whisk in flour.
- Gradually add milk and cream.
- Cook until thickened.
- Add cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Stir until smooth.
- Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine sauce with pasta.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Serving Tip
Let the mac and cheese rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
4. Creamy Mushroom Pasta
Mushrooms bring earthy flavor to this rich Thanksgiving pasta.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- Melt butter in a skillet.
- Add mushrooms.
- Cook until golden brown.
- Add garlic and thyme.
- Cook for another minute.
- Add heavy cream.
- Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan.
- Add cooked pasta.
- Toss until coated.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Serving Tip
Fresh thyme and Parmesan make a beautiful finishing garnish.
5. Brown Butter Sage Pasta
Brown butter and fresh sage create a simple but elegant Thanksgiving pasta.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 10 fresh sage leaves
- ½ cup Parmesan
- ¼ cup toasted walnuts
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta until al dente.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add sage leaves.
- Continue cooking until the butter turns golden brown.
- Remove the sage leaves and set aside.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet.
- Toss well.
- Add Parmesan and black pepper.
- Top with toasted walnuts and crispy sage.
Serving Tip
A squeeze of lemon juice helps balance the richness of the brown butter.
6. Cranberry Chicken Pasta
Sweet cranberries and savory chicken make this a festive Thanksgiving pasta dish.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup spinach
- ½ cup Parmesan
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta and drain.
- Melt butter in a skillet.
- Add garlic.
- Cook for 30 seconds.
- Add chicken and spinach.
- Cook until spinach wilts.
- Add cream.
- Stir in Parmesan.
- Add cranberries and pasta.
- Toss everything together.
- Season to taste.
Serving Tip
Use leftover Thanksgiving turkey instead of chicken.
7. Butternut Squash Pasta
Roasted butternut squash makes a creamy, naturally sweet pasta sauce.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta
- 2 cups cubed butternut squash
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup vegetable or chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan
- 2 garlic cloves
- ½ teaspoon sage
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Roast butternut squash at 425°F until tender.
- Blend squash with broth until smooth.
- Cook pasta and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
- Sauté garlic in olive oil.
- Add squash puree.
- Stir in cream and Parmesan.
- Add sage.
- Add cooked pasta.
- Adjust consistency with pasta water.
- Season and serve.
Serving Tip
Top with toasted pecans for extra crunch.
8. Turkey Tetrazzini
Turkey tetrazzini is one of the best ways to use leftover Thanksgiving turkey.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 8 ounces mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 cups cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup mozzarella
- ½ cup Parmesan
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook spaghetti until slightly underdone.
- Sauté mushrooms in butter.
- Add garlic.
- Stir in mushroom soup and milk.
- Add Italian seasoning.
- Add turkey and cooked spaghetti.
- Transfer to a baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly.
Serving Tip
This is an excellent recipe for the day after Thanksgiving.
9. Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta
Creamy spinach artichoke flavors make this pasta perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup chopped artichoke hearts
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta until al dente.
- Melt butter in a skillet.
- Add garlic.
- Add spinach and artichokes.
- Cook until spinach wilts.
- Add cream cheese and heavy cream.
- Stir until creamy.
- Add Parmesan.
- Add cooked pasta.
- Season with salt and pepper.
10. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
For Thanksgiving menus that include seafood, this garlic butter shrimp pasta is a flavorful option.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces linguine
- 1 pound peeled shrimp
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves
- ½ cup Parmesan
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook linguine and drain.
- Melt butter in a large skillet.
- Add garlic.
- Add shrimp.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Add lemon juice.
- Add cooked pasta.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss and serve.
11. Pumpkin Sage Pasta with Parmesan
This elegant pasta brings classic fall flavors to your Thanksgiving menu.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 8 fresh sage leaves
- ½ cup Parmesan
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta until al dente.
- Melt butter in a skillet.
- Add sage leaves.
- Cook until fragrant.
- Remove sage and set aside.
- Add pumpkin and cream.
- Stir in nutmeg and Parmesan.
- Simmer for several minutes.
- Add pasta and toss.
- Garnish with crispy sage.
12. Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Bake
This comforting casserole is perfect for a Thanksgiving buffet.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook pasta until almost al dente.
- Steam broccoli until slightly tender.
- Melt butter.
- Whisk in flour.
- Slowly add milk and cream.
- Cook until thickened.
- Add cheddar and half the mozzarella.
- Combine sauce, pasta, and broccoli.
- Transfer to a baking dish.
- Top with remaining mozzarella.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes.
13. Sausage and Spinach Pasta
Savory sausage and fresh spinach make this pasta hearty enough for a main course.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet.
- Brown sausage thoroughly.
- Add garlic.
- Add spinach.
- Cook until wilted.
- Add heavy cream.
- Stir in Parmesan.
- Add pasta.
- Toss and season.
14. Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Tender chicken and creamy garlic sauce make this a family-friendly Thanksgiving favorite.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fettuccine
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup Parmesan
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Cook chicken in olive oil until fully cooked.
- Slice chicken.
- Sauté garlic.
- Add cream.
- Stir in Parmesan.
- Add Italian seasoning.
- Toss in cooked pasta.
- Top with sliced chicken.
15. Roasted Vegetable Pasta
A mixture of roasted fall vegetables makes this colorful pasta perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne
- 1 zucchini
- 1 bell pepper
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup broccoli
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup Parmesan
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Chop vegetables.
- Toss with olive oil and seasonings.
- Roast for 20–25 minutes.
- Cook pasta.
- Combine pasta and roasted vegetables.
- Add Parmesan.
- Toss and serve.
16. Creamy Tuscan Pasta
Creamy sauce, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan make this pasta rich and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan
- 2 cups spinach
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta.
- Melt butter.
- Add garlic.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes.
- Add cream.
- Simmer for 3 minutes.
- Add Parmesan.
- Stir in spinach.
- Add pasta.
- Toss until creamy.
- Season to taste.
17. Baked Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Pumpkin adds a subtle seasonal flavor and beautiful color to classic mac and cheese.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup cheddar
- 1 cup Gruyere
- ½ cup Parmesan
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook macaroni until slightly underdone.
- Melt butter.
- Whisk in flour.
- Add milk gradually.
- Cook until thickened.
- Stir in pumpkin puree.
- Add cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan.
- Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Combine sauce and pasta.
- Transfer to a baking dish.
- Top with breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
18. Cranberry Pecan Pasta Salad
This colorful pasta salad works especially well for Thanksgiving potlucks.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces rotini
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup pecans
- ½ cup feta
- 1 apple, diced
- 2 cups spinach
Dressing
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta.
- Drain and cool completely.
- Add pasta to a large bowl.
- Add cranberries, pecans, feta, apple, and spinach.
- Whisk dressing ingredients.
- Pour over pasta.
- Toss well.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
19. Garlic Herb Butter Noodles
These simple noodles are ideal when you need a quick Thanksgiving side dish.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup Parmesan
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook noodles according to package directions.
- Melt butter in a skillet.
- Add garlic.
- Cook for 30 seconds.
- Add Italian seasoning.
- Add cooked noodles.
- Toss well.
- Add Parmesan and parsley.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Serving Tip
This recipe is especially useful when the main Thanksgiving dishes already have rich sauces.
20. Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Mushroom Pasta
Chicken and mushrooms make this pasta hearty enough to serve as a Thanksgiving main dish.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne
- 2 chicken breasts
- 8 ounces mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup Parmesan
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta.
- Season chicken.
- Cook chicken in butter until fully cooked.
- Remove and slice.
- Add mushrooms to the same pan.
- Cook until golden.
- Add garlic and thyme.
- Pour in heavy cream.
- Stir in Parmesan.
- Add pasta and chicken.
- Toss together.
- Season and serve.
21. Fall Harvest Pasta with Squash and Spinach
This colorful pasta combines roasted squash, spinach, cranberries, and Parmesan.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne
- 2 cups butternut squash
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup Parmesan
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves
- ½ teaspoon sage
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Roast squash at 425°F until tender.
- Cook pasta.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet.
- Add garlic and sage.
- Add spinach.
- Cook until wilted.
- Add roasted squash.
- Add pasta.
- Stir in cranberries and Parmesan.
- Season with salt and pepper.
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22. Creamy Parmesan Mushroom Pasta Bake
A baked pasta casserole is perfect for feeding a Thanksgiving crowd.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne
- 8 ounces mushrooms
- 2 cups mozzarella
- ½ cup Parmesan
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook pasta until slightly underdone.
- Sauté mushrooms in butter.
- Add garlic and Italian seasoning.
- Add heavy cream.
- Stir in Parmesan.
- Combine with pasta.
- Transfer to a baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbling and golden.
23. Leftover Turkey Cranberry Pasta
Turn Thanksgiving leftovers into an entirely new meal with this creamy turkey pasta.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta
- 2 cups cooked turkey
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup spinach
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta.
- Melt butter in a skillet.
- Add garlic.
- Add turkey and spinach.
- Cook until spinach wilts.
- Add cream.
- Stir in Parmesan.
- Add cranberries.
- Add cooked pasta.
- Toss and season.
Serving Tip
This is an excellent recipe for the day after Thanksgiving when you have leftover turkey.
24. Thanksgiving Stuffing Pasta Bake
This creative casserole combines pasta with classic stuffing flavors.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne
- 2 cups prepared stuffing
- 2 cups cooked turkey
- 1½ cups mozzarella
- ½ cup Parmesan
- 1 cup cream sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook pasta until al dente.
- Combine pasta, turkey, cream sauce, sage, and thyme.
- Transfer to a baking dish.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.
- Add prepared stuffing as a topping.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Serve hot.
25. Creamy Thanksgiving Turkey Pasta
This creamy turkey pasta is an easy way to use leftover Thanksgiving turkey while creating a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fettuccine
- 2 cups cooked turkey
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup Parmesan
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 cup mushrooms
- 1 cup spinach
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook fettuccine until al dente.
- Melt butter in a large skillet.
- Add mushrooms and cook until golden.
- Add garlic and Italian seasoning.
- Add turkey and spinach.
- Cook until spinach wilts.
- Pour in heavy cream.
- Add Parmesan.
- Stir until the sauce becomes creamy.
- Add cooked pasta.
- Toss until evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm.
Best Thanksgiving Pasta Recipes for a Crowd
If you’re cooking for a large Thanksgiving gathering, these recipes are especially useful:
Best Overall
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Best Casserole
Baked Mac and Cheese
Best Fall Flavor
Pumpkin Sage Pasta
Best Vegetarian Option
Butternut Squash Pasta
Best Leftover Turkey Recipe
Turkey Tetrazzini
Best Make-Ahead Option
Cranberry Pecan Pasta Salad
Best Easy Side Dish
Garlic Herb Butter Noodles
Best Hearty Main Dish
Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Mushroom Pasta
Tips for Serving Pasta on Thanksgiving
Choose Short Pasta for Casseroles
Penne, rigatoni, rotini, and ziti work especially well for baked Thanksgiving pasta recipes.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta
If you’re baking pasta, cook it 1–2 minutes less than the package directions. It will continue cooking in the oven.
Prepare Sauces Ahead
Cream sauces and cheese sauces can often be prepared earlier in the day. Reheat them gently before combining with pasta.
Keep Pasta Warm
If you’re serving pasta as a side dish, keep it covered and add a small amount of sauce or reserved pasta water if it begins to dry out.
Garnish Before Serving
Fresh parsley, Parmesan, sage, toasted nuts, or cracked black pepper can make even a simple pasta dish look holiday-worthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What pasta is good for Thanksgiving?
Popular choices include penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, spaghetti, rotini, elbow macaroni, and ziti. Short pasta shapes are especially good for casseroles.
Can pasta be a Thanksgiving side dish?
Absolutely. Creamy pasta, baked pasta, pasta salads, and simple garlic-butter noodles can all work beautifully as Thanksgiving side dishes.
Can I make Thanksgiving pasta ahead of time?
Yes. Baked pasta dishes and pasta salads are particularly convenient for preparing ahead. For creamy stovetop pasta, it’s generally best to make the sauce and pasta close to serving time.
What pasta goes well with turkey?
Creamy Parmesan pasta, pumpkin pasta, turkey tetrazzini, cranberry chicken pasta, mushroom pasta, and creamy turkey pasta all pair well with Thanksgiving turkey.
How do I keep baked pasta from drying out?
Make sure there is enough sauce before baking and cover the casserole loosely with foil for part of the baking time. Avoid overbaking.
Can I use leftover Thanksgiving turkey in pasta?
Yes. Leftover turkey works wonderfully in tetrazzini, creamy pasta, cranberry pasta, and baked pasta casseroles.
What vegetables go well with Thanksgiving pasta?
Excellent choices include:
- Butternut squash
- Pumpkin
- Spinach
- Mushrooms
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Roasted peppers
- Cauliflower
- Sweet potatoes
Can Thanksgiving pasta be vegetarian?
Yes. Skip meat and use mushrooms, pumpkin, squash, spinach, broccoli, or roasted vegetables for flavorful vegetarian pasta dishes.
What cheeses work best in Thanksgiving pasta?
Cheddar, Parmesan, mozzarella, Gruyere, Fontina, and cream cheese are all excellent options depending on the recipe.
Final Thoughts
These 25 Thanksgiving pasta recipes are perfect for adding something warm, comforting, and crowd-friendly to your holiday menu. From creamy garlic Parmesan pasta and pumpkin sage pasta to baked mac and cheese, turkey tetrazzini, and hearty fall vegetable pasta, there are plenty of options for every Thanksgiving table.
For a classic crowd-pleaser, Baked Mac and Cheese is hard to beat. If you want a seasonal recipe, try Pumpkin Sage Pasta or Butternut Squash Pasta. And when Thanksgiving is over, turn your leftovers into Turkey Tetrazzini or Creamy Thanksgiving Turkey Pasta for an easy next-day meal.
These recipes can complement traditional Thanksgiving favorites while giving your guests another delicious option they’ll want to come back for.