Easy decorative pasta trees
- Energy Kcal 296
- Carbohydrates g 40.5
- of which sugars g 4.4
- Protein g 10.6
- Fats g 10.1
- of which saturated fat g 4.3
- Fiber g 2.6
- Cholesterol mg 27
- Sodium mg 284
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep time: 25 min
- Cook time: 25 min
- Serving: 8
PRESENTATION
Creating a pasta Christmas tree is such a fun way to bring the joy and color of the holidays right into your kitchen. You know, in Italy, especially during Christmas, it's a big deal for families to gather and whip up meals that feel like a celebration. The alberelli di pasta really captures this festive vibe. And it uses mini tortiglioni shaped into playful tree forms. Plus, they are covered in a creamy, smooth béchamel sauce that looks just like fresh snow—seriously good.
Kids, of course, love adding tender slices of prosciutto or ham. And look, the pops of green peas and bright tomato sauce make it super visually appealing. Seeing these easy pasta craft creations on the table? Brings a smile to everyone’s face. It's more than just a meal. It's about spending quality time together, sharing laughs, and creating something beautiful and delicious.
So here's the thing, in Italian homes, family gatherings often revolve around simple yet fun ideas like this, where food is both a treat and a decoration. People enjoy turning classic ingredients into something new. With a DIY pasta tree, even a regular dinner can become a festive event. The smooth béchamel gives the pasta a moist, comforting texture, while the bright peas and tomato sauce add a cheerful look perfect for the season.
Kids really dive in, decorating each decorative pasta tree with enthusiasm. And you know, there's always a bit of friendly competition about whose creation is the most colorful or the most crispy around the edges. These holiday pasta crafts are not just about taste—they're about making memories. Everyone gets a chance to be creative, which is great, and every plate adds a little more happiness to the celebration. Whether you call them homemade pasta decorations or just a fun Christmas meal, these pasta trees always bring out the holiday spirit. And, frankly, they make family time even more special. Can't go wrong with the tradition and joy these really good creations bring to your holiday table.
INGREDIENTS
- Mini Tortiglioni pasta 11.3 oz (320 g)
- Tomato purée 1.7 cups (400 g)
- Frozen peas ½ cup (80 g)
- Prosciutto cotto 5.3 oz (150 g) - sliced
- Thyme to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil to taste
- Fine salt to taste
- For the béchamel
- Whole milk ¾ cup (180 g)
- Butter 3 tbsp (40 g)
- Type 00 flour 0.3 cup (40 g)
- Nutmeg to taste
How to prepare Easy decorative pasta trees
To prepare the pasta tree, bring a pot full of water to a boil for the pasta, add salt and bring to a boil. Then, bring another small pot of water to a boil (you'll need it to briefly blanch the peas for decoration). Take the slices of ham and cut 3.5 oz (100 g) into strips 1; then chop it coarsely with a knife. In a large enough pan, heat a drizzle of oil and briefly sauté the ham 2. After a few moments, add the tomato sauce 3.
Add 2.1 oz (60 g) of peas 4 as well. Salt and season with thyme leaves; cook the sauce for about 5 minutes 5. In a separate pot, briefly blanch the remaining 0.7 oz (20 g) of peas, then drain and set aside 6.
Now move on to the Béchamel sauce: heat the milk in a pot 7, and as soon as it reaches a boil, turn off the heat and keep warm. In another pot, melt the butter over very low heat, and when it’s completely melted, add the flour 8 and immediately stir with a whisk to prevent lumps 9.
Once the roux is made, pour in the hot milk 10 and continue to stir with the whisk until it thickens 11. The consistency should be quite fluid, and the béchamel should not be too dense. Season the béchamel with salt and grated nutmeg 12.
Cook the pasta for the time indicated on the package and drain it directly into the pan where you cooked the sauce 13. Mix thoroughly 14; grease the bottom of a low-sided baking dish with oil, measuring approximately 15x10 in (38x25 cm) 15.
Sprinkle with breadcrumbs, covering the entire surface 16. Pour the pasta into it, spread it well throughout the dish using the back of a spoon 17, and sprinkle with scattered spoonfuls of béchamel. Place the pasta in a preheated static oven at 390°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes 18.
After the indicated time, remove from the oven and let the pasta cool slightly: then start cutting it into squares, cut each in half to obtain two triangles, which will be your trees. Decorate your trees with the peas you set aside 19, placing them as if they were tree ornaments. Cut 1.8 oz (50 g) of the reserved ham into strips and place 2-3 on the tree as decorative garlands 20. Serve your pasta trees 24!