Halloween Black Pasta Recipe
One thing I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can turn it into a full-on Halloween feast for kids and adults alike.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large Skillet or Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Tongs or pasta fork
Ingredients
For the Black Pasta:
- 12 oz 340 g black spaghetti (squid ink pasta or regular spaghetti + 1 tsp black food coloring)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 can 14 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for a little heat
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fresh basil chopped
- Grated Parmesan for serving
Optional Toppings:
- Meatballs or roasted veggies
- Black olives perfect for a spooky touch!
- Extra Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil
Instructions
Cook the Black Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the black spaghetti and 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook according to package instructions (usually 8–10 minutes) until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and toss lightly with a little olive oil to keep it from clumping.
- Pro Tip: If using squid ink pasta, rinse briefly under hot water to remove excess starch but don’t overdo it—it helps the sauce stick better.
Prepare the Sauce Base
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped onions.
- Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and the onions are translucent.
- Pro Tip: Keep stirring the garlic so it doesn’t burn—it can turn bitter very quickly.
Build the Sauce
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine.
- Sprinkle in dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Let the sauce simmer gently for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pro Tip: Taste as it simmers! Adjust salt and pepper gradually—you can always add more but can’t take it out.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the drained black pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce.
- Toss gently to coat every strand evenly.
- Sprinkle in chopped fresh basil and give it one final toss.
- Pro Tip: Use tongs or a pasta fork for an even mix without breaking the noodles.
Serve and Garnish
- Divide the pasta onto serving plates.
- Optional: top with grated Parmesan, black olives, or roasted veggies for a festive, spooky look.
- Serve immediately while warm, and watch your guests’ eyes widen at the eerie black noodles!
Notes
Nutritional Value (per serving – approximate)
- Calories: 380–420 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Sugar: 7 g