4 Popular Filipino Pasta Recipes for Christmas 2025 | Must-Have Holiday Dishes #ShopeeTagToWin

shrimp

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: chicken

Tofu is a plant-based protein option, while chicken is often less expensive than shrimp.

rice noodles

🥗Healthier: whole grain pasta

💰Cheaper: spaghetti

Whole grain pasta offers more fiber, while spaghetti is more widely available.

pork

🥗Healthier: chicken breast

💰Cheaper: ground turkey

Chicken breast is leaner, and ground turkey is often less expensive.

soy sauce

🥗Healthier: low-sodium soy sauce

💰Cheaper: tamari

Low-sodium soy sauce reduces sodium intake, while tamari is a gluten-free alternative.

Bring 3 liters of water to a boil in a large pot.

Add a pinch of salt and a little oil to the water.

Add the pasta and cook for 9 to 10 minutes or until al dente (refer to package instructions).

Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Preheat a large pan over medium heat.

Add bacon slices and fry until crispy and the fat renders out.

Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside.

Keep the bacon oil in the pan for added flavor.

Lower the heat to low.

Add butter to the pan with the bacon oil and let it melt.

Sauté garlic and onions until softened and fragrant.

Add the ham slices and cook for about 3 minutes.

Add the mushroom slices and sauté for another 3 minutes.

Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Pour in the cream of mushroom, all-purpose cream, and evaporated milk.

Stir well until the mixture is fully combined.

Let the sauce simmer for around 7 minutes.

Add grated cheese and stir until it melts completely.

Season again with salt and pepper to taste.

Simmer for another 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Turn off the heat and do a taste test. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Gradually add the cooked penne pasta into the sauce.

Toss until the pasta is evenly coated.

Mix in Parmesan cheese if desired.

Garnish with crispy bacon, extra Parmesan, and a sprinkle of dried parsley.

Serve hot with toasted garlic bread on the side.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens