When we were putting up the Christmas tree Emma was itching to use her new mini cookie cutters, but with the tree project already in full swing, sugar cookies were not a possibility. However, I did have this Provencal Beef Stew simmering on the stove and was planning to make homemade Pappardelle pasta to go along with it. The cookie cutters were laying about on the area that I was rolling out the pasta and I had a light bulb moment. 
I don’t know about you, but when I saw the beef stew on Tessa’s instagram, I couldn’t get it out of my head : ) It is similar to my Tuscan Beef & Vegetable Stew, but a little simpler and a bit more stew-like vs. soup. It is a new favorite of our family’s.
I think the shapes turned out so cute that I had to share it here. It would be darling for a cozy Christmas dinner – especially if there are children around. Emma was more than happy to fish out her shapes and slurp up the stew. The pasta can be pre-made and the stew is put together earlier in the day, simmers and makes your house smell so yummy – a perfect scent to greet your Christmas guests.
The pasta is very simple to make. You can follow my directions here from a past post. Typically, we serve it with homemade beef ragu, but it was so delicious with this flavorful beef provencal soup.
The pasta cooks in just 1-2 minutes since it is fresh.
I can’t get enough of cozy candlelit dinners this time of year. We will definitely making this again very soon.