28 Classic Dishes for a True Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve

Felicia Lim
·6 min read
1

Seafood Fra Diavolo

With Christmas just around the corner, it's natural that all of us are preparing our menus to celebrate this special occasion, particularly for Christmas Eve dinner.

What is the Feast of the Seven Fishes?

For those who have never heard of this term before, the "Feast of the Seven Fishes" is basically an Italian-American celebration on the 24th of December (Christmas Eve), during which American families of Italian origin celebrate by eating plenty of fish and seafood.

The menu traditionally includes seven fish and seafood dishes, as a form of abstaining from meat until Christmas Day itself, and this custom was originally introduced to the United States by immigrants from South Italy.

Related: Feast of the Seven Fishes: The Meaning of the Christmas Eve Tradition

From Grilled Octopus Salad and Sautéed Clams to Baked Cod and Shrimp Scampi, there are plenty of recipes to choose from so everyone can feast and enjoy on Christmas Eve.

Related: 31 Seriously Good Clam Recipes from Vongole to Clam Chowder

Here are the 28 best Feast of the Seven Fishes recipes. Get ready to feast this Christmas!

Feast of the Seven Fishes Recipes

<p>Parade</p><p>A modest amount of Calabrian chile paste and chopped sun-dried tomatoes deliver bold, zesty flavor to this pasta with plump shrimp. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/1178287/alison-ashton/giada-de-laurentiis-penne-with-spicy-calabrian-shrimp/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Giada De Laurentiis' Penne With Spicy Calabrian Shrimp;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Giada De Laurentiis' Penne With Spicy Calabrian Shrimp</a></strong></p>
<p>Baker By Nature</p><p>This one-pan fish dish is a true beauty! Everything gets cooked in the same skillet, so at the end of the meal, you’re looking at very minimal clean up.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://bakerbynature.com/one-pan-sicilian-swordfish-spicy-olive-oil-poached-tomatoes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:One-Pan Sicilian Swordfish with Spicy Olive Oil and Poached Tomatoes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">One-Pan Sicilian Swordfish with Spicy Olive Oil and Poached Tomatoes</a></strong></p>
<p>Fashionable Foods</p><p>Sweet and tender steamed clams are topped with a flavorful breadcrumb topping before being broiled to perfection. Clams casino is a restaurant classic that’s easy to make at home!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://fashionablefoods.com/2016/02/08/clams-casino/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Clams Casino;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Clams Casino</a></strong></p>
<p>Charlotte Fashion Plate</p><p>This grilled octopus salad will blow you away. Tender pieces of octopus grilled to perfection and combined with super fresh ingredients.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.charlottefashionplate.com/recipes/grilled-octopus-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Grilled Octopus Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Grilled Octopus Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>Rasa Malaysia</p><p>Grilled octopus with olive oil, cayenne pepper and lemon. This Spanish grilled octopus with salad is the best and restaurant worthy, juicy, tender and delicious!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://rasamalaysia.com/grilled-octopus/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Grilled Octopus;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Grilled Octopus</strong></a></p>
<p>Baker by Nature</p><p>A quick and easy recipe for pan-seared cod in white wine tomato basil sauce! If you love cod fish recipes, try this flavorful dish for dinner.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://bakerbynature.com/pan-seared-cod-in-white-wine-tomato-basil-sauce/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Pan-Seared Cod in White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Pan-Seared Cod in White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce</a></strong></p>
<p>Kitchen Swagger</p><p>Mussels over pasta with light, yet creamy white wine sauce made with garlic, butter, fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, and cream. Tossed with linguine and simmered until creamy.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://kitchenswagger.com/mussels-linguine-garlic-butter-sauce-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Mussels and Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Mussels and Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce</a></strong></p>
<p>This shrimp risotto has a rich seafood flavor and is deliciously creamy. It's easy to make at home and perfect for an elegant dinner.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.platingsandpairings.com/shrimp-risotto/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shrimp Risotto;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shrimp Risotto</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://parade.com/300888/benrayl/arancini-sicilian-risotto-balls/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Best Arancini Risotto Balls Recipe;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Best Arancini Risotto Balls Recipe</a></strong></p>
<p>House of Nash Eats</p><p>Considered by many to be the signature dish of San Francisco, Cioppino is a wonderful seafood stew that is perfect for entertaining and holidays. Serve this with crusty sourdough bread to sop up all the delicious broth.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://houseofnasheats.com/san-francisco-cioppino/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:San Francisco Cioppino;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>San Francisco Cioppino</strong></a></p>
<p>Skillet sauteed clams with garlic, tomatoes, white wine and parsley. This recipe tastes just like restaurants straight from Italy!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://rasamalaysia.com/italian-sauteed-clams/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Italian Sauteed Clams;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Italian Sauteed Clams</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/31-seriously-good-clam-recipes-191453320.html" data-ylk="slk:31 Seriously Good Clam Recipes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">31 Seriously Good Clam Recipes</a></strong></p>
<p>Host the Toast</p><p>“Fra Diavolo” refers to a light tomato-based sauce that’s flavored with chili peppers and often served with seafood and pasta. It’s got a slightly spicy kick that gets your blood pumping, pairs wonderfully with wine.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://hostthetoast.com/seafood-fra-diavolo/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Seafood Fra Diavolo;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Seafood Fra Diavolo</a></strong></p>
<p>Sip And Feast</p><p>Shrimp oreganata is one of those dishes that seems difficult, but is actually super easy to make. Get some good quality shrimp and a few other ingredients and you will have this awesome dish ready in no time!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.sipandfeast.com/shrimp-oreganata/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shrimp Oreganata;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shrimp Oreganata</a></strong></p>
<p>Valentina's Corner</p><p>I love this simple, quick and easy garlic butter sauteed shrimp recipe. This pan-fried shrimp is tossed with an easy Italian seasoning sautéed in butter and lemon.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://valentinascorner.com/italian-seasoned-butter-shrimp/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Italian Seasoned Butter Shrimp;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Italian Seasoned Butter Shrimp</a></strong></p>
<p>Charlotte Fashion Plate</p><p>A super simple but flavorful dish, these honey garlic scallops with brown butter is going to be a favorite!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.charlottefashionplate.com/recipes/honey-garlic-scallops-with-brown-butter/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Honey Garlic Scallops with Brown Butter;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Honey Garlic Scallops with Brown Butter</a></strong></p>
<p>Sip and Feast</p><p>Linguine alle vongole (linguine with clams) is such a great dish. It’s so fresh and vibrant from the delicious briny clams.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.sipandfeast.com/linguine-alle-vongole/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Linguine alle Vongole;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Linguine alle Vongole</a></strong></p>
<p>Sip and Feast</p><p>Garlic, lemon, and parsley join forces in a velvety, buttery, wine sauce to form what might be one of the most iconic Italian-American seafood dishes.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.sipandfeast.com/classic-shrimp-scampi/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Classic Shrimp Scampi;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Classic Shrimp Scampi</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://parade.com/1325505/parade/shrimp-recipes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:100+ Best Shrimp Recipes For Easy Dinner Ideas;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">100+ Best Shrimp Recipes For Easy Dinner Ideas</a></strong></p>
<p>Culinary Ginger</p><p>Brodetto di Pesce (seafood in broth) is an authentic, Italian seafood dish. A delicious selection of seafood cooked in a tomato broth flavored with wine and garlic.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://culinaryginger.com/brodetto-di-pesce/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Brodetto di Pesce (Seafood Broth);elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Brodetto di Pesce (Seafood Broth)</a></strong></p>
<p>My Gourmet Connection</p><p>Fish Puttanesca (Pesce Alla Puttanesca) is an easy skillet dish of mild white fish fillets simmered in a rustic Italian tomato sauce.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.mygourmetconnection.com/fish-puttanesca/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Fish Puttanesca;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Fish Puttanesca</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/55-air-fryer-fish-recipes-140215764.html" data-ylk="slk:55 Best Air Fryer Fish Recipes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">55 Best Air Fryer Fish Recipes</a></strong></p>
<p>Sweet, buttery and delicate sea scallops are quickly seared in a hot pan, then a simple lemon, butter and garlic sauce is made in the same pan. Served on their own or over pasta, these seared scallops are perfect for date night at home.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.foxandbriar.com/lemon-butter-scallops-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Lemon Butter Scallops;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Lemon Butter Scallops</a></strong></p>
<p>This baked cod recipe is truly the best you can find! Perfectly-seasoned cod, covered with a layer of roasted pepper sauce and topped with crispy breadcrumbs.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://cooktoria.com/baked-cod/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Baked Cod;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Baked Cod</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/26-best-cod-fish-recipes-201031376.html" data-ylk="slk:26 Best Cod Fish Recipes to Make Tonight;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">26 Best Cod Fish Recipes to Make Tonight</a></strong></p>
<p>Rasa Malaysia</p><p>Fried Calamari - deep fried calamari recipe Italian style. Serve with tomato sauce as dipping sauce, this is the best recipe ever, extra crispy, easy and delicious!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://rasamalaysia.com/fried-calamari/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Fried Calamari;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Fried Calamari</a></strong></p>
<p>Le Creme de La Crumb</p><p>Cajun shrimp and rice skillet is a one-pot wonder full of flavorful shrimp and rice with a Cajun seasoning that the entire family will enjoy!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.lecremedelacrumb.com/cajun-shrimp-and-rice-skillet/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/42-super-simple-rice-bowl-195213982.html" data-ylk="slk:42 Super Simple Rice Bowl Recipes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">42 Super Simple Rice Bowl Recipes</a></strong></p>
<p>Diethood</p><p>This skillet tilapia with creamy lemon sauce tastes like summertime. The fresh garlic, herbs, and lemon juice will immediately transport you to a balcony Bistro on the Island of Capri without ever leaving your house.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://diethood.com/skillet-tilapia-with-creamy-lemon-sauce/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Skillet Tilapia with Creamy Lemon Sauce;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Skillet Tilapia with Creamy Lemon Sauce</a></strong></p>
<p>Diethood</p><p>This garlic butter baked salmon recipe makes tender, flaky salmon brushed with an incredible garlic butter sauce!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://diethood.com/garlic-butter-baked-salmon/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Garlic Butter Baked Salmon;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Garlic Butter Baked Salmon</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://parade.com/1339428/parade/salmon-recipes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:65 Best Salmon Recipes for Easy Dinners;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">65 Best Salmon Recipes for Easy Dinners</a></strong></p>
<p>Rasa Malaysia</p><p>Rich and creamy lobster bisque just like the best seafood restaurants. Learn how to make lobster bisque soup at home with this easy and fail-proof recipe, so good.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://rasamalaysia.com/lobster-bisque/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Lobster Bisque;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Lobster Bisque</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/52-best-lobster-recipes-ideas-172157507.html" data-ylk="slk:52 Best Lobster Recipes & Ideas;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">52 Best Lobster Recipes & Ideas</a></strong></p>
<p>Paleo Grubs</p><p>You need to try this easy cod piccata recipe and serve it up for any special ocassion!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://paleogrubs.com/cod-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Cod Piccata;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Cod Piccata</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://parade.com/844803/pamnelson/30-comforting-and-delicious-italian-recipes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:30 Comforting Italian Recipes That Work For Any Night of the Week;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">30 Comforting Italian Recipes That Work For Any Night of the Week</a></strong></p>
<p>The Recipe Critic</p><p>This lobster tail recipe is a decadent dinner made with large lobster tails smothered with a buttery garlic herb sauce then broiled under high heat making these lobster tails tender and juicy. The ultimate indulgence!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://therecipecritic.com/lobster-tail-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:The Best Lobster Tail;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">The Best Lobster Tail</a></strong></p>
<p>Will Cook for Smiles</p><p>Ten minutes is all you need to make restaurant-quality seared scallops.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.willcookforsmiles.com/seared-scallops/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Seared Scallops;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Seared Scallops</a></strong></p>

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