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Halloween Spooky Pasta

This spooky Halloween pasta features sturdy penne or rigatoni coated in a smoky, spicy sauce colored with black food coloring or squid ink. The dish combines fresh tomatoes, garlic, and cream for a rich, velvety texture, finished with bright lemon juice and herbs for a lively contrast. Its dark, eerie appearance makes it a fun, visual centerpiece for any spooky celebration.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 400 g pasta (penne or rigatoni) sturdy shapes that hold sauce well
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 400 g chopped tomatoes fresh or canned
  • 150 ml cream for a velvety sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili flakes optional for spice
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice brightens the sauce
  • 2 tsp black food coloring or squid ink for eerie dark hue
  • to taste grated Parmesan cheese for topping
  • fresh basil or parsley for garnish chopped herbs

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Slotted spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil, ensuring it bubbles loudly. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente, about 10 minutes, then drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering and fragrant. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until they become fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add chopped tomatoes to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes saucy, about 10 minutes. You’ll notice the aroma deepening and the mixture bubbling gently.
  4. Stir in the cream and chili flakes (if using), then squeeze in the lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer gently for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s smooth and velvety.
  5. In a small bowl, scoop out some of the sauce and add black food coloring or squid ink, mixing thoroughly until evenly dark. This creates the spooky, eerie hue we want for the dish.
  6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing gently to coat each piece thoroughly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up and help it cling to the pasta.
  7. Transfer the pasta to serving bowls, arranging it into spooky nests or mounds. Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped herbs for flavor and visual contrast. For extra fun, you can garnish with fake spiders or other spooky decorations.
  8. Enjoy immediately while warm, with the smoky, spicy aroma filling the room and the dark, eerie appearance making it a perfect Halloween treat.

Notes

Make sure to mix the black food coloring or squid ink thoroughly to avoid streaks, and keep an eye on the sauce to prevent burning or sticking. Using fresh herbs and good-quality cream enhances flavor and presentation.