Description

When it comes to celebrating Halloween, my family and I love to get a little creative in the kitchen. We have a tradition of cooking up spooky dishes that make us giggle as much as they make our taste buds tingle. This year, we decided to try out a recipe for Spooky Pasta, and let me tell you, it was a hit! The kids were absolutely enchanted by the ghostly pasta shapes, and the flavors were just as delightful. Even my picky eater asked for seconds, which is nothing short of a miracle in our house! As we sat around the dinner table, laughing and sharing stories, I knew this would be one of those recipes we would come back to year after year. If you’re looking to add a fun twist to your Halloween menu, look no further. Let’s dive into how to make this frightfully delicious dish!

Ingredients

Scale

To whip up this spooky delight, you’ll need the following ingredients:

8 oz. of your favorite pasta (we used rotini, but you can also try penne or fettuccine)
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz.) diced tomatoes (preferably with garlic and herbs)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup spinach (fresh or frozen, chopped)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 oz. black olives (sliced for decoration)
Edible googly eyes (for extra spookiness)
Optional: fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Making this spooky pasta is as easy as counting to three! Here’s how you can bring this hauntingly delicious dish to life:

Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant (but not browned!). Pour in the diced tomatoes, including the juice, and stir in the heavy cream.
Season It Up: Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Add the Greens: Stir in the spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted.
Combine: Toss the cooked pasta in the skillet with the sauce until everything is well coated. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
Plate It: Serve the pasta in bowls, and for the spooky touch, decorate each serving with slices of black olives as “eyes.” Finish off by adding the edible googly eyes for that perfect Halloween flair!

Notes

Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure your pasta is al dente for the best texture. It will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh spinach and high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to tweak the salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning based on your family’s preference.
Make It Ahead of Time: You can prep the sauce in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve!
Get Creative with Toppings: Try adding grilled chicken, sautéed mushrooms, or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a kick!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 450
Sugar: 2
Sodium: 600
Fat: 26
Saturated Fat: 15
Carbohydrates: 42
Fiber: 2
Protein: 12