Description

This dramatic black Halloween pasta is a showstopper for parties and family dinners, featuring jet-black noodles tossed in a rich, garlicky cream sauce and finished with crunchy, spooky toppings. It’s easy to make, flexible for different diets, and guaranteed to wow your guests.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz black squid ink pasta OR 12 oz dried spaghetti/linguine with black gel food coloring
3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
4 large garlic cloves, minced
1 medium shallot, finely chopped
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Zest from 1 lemon
2 tbsp fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
1/4 cup toasted panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free)
1/4 cup sliced black olives
2 tbsp roasted pumpkin seeds (optional)
Edible gold leaf or glitter (optional)
Salt, to taste

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. If using regular pasta, stir in black gel food coloring until water is jet-black. Add pasta and cook until al dente, 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
While pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add panko breadcrumbs and stir until golden and crispy, 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat remaining 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-low. Add minced garlic and chopped shallot; cook, stirring often, until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
Stir in crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Pour in heavy cream, whisking to blend. Bring to a gentle simmer. If sauce thickens too quickly, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Add drained black pasta to the skillet, tossing gently with tongs. Sprinkle in parmesan and lemon zest. Stir until pasta is coated and glossy, adding more pasta water as needed.
Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
Twirl pasta onto plates using tongs. Top with toasted breadcrumbs, sliced black olives, roasted pumpkin seeds, and edible gold leaf if desired. Serve immediately with extra parmesan and fresh herbs.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, use black food coloring and plant-based pasta. Swap heavy cream for coconut cream to make it dairy-free. Use gluten-free pasta and panko for GF diets. Prep garnishes ahead for efficiency. Don’t skip the lemon zest—it brightens the dish. If sauce thickens, add pasta water gradually. For extra drama, twirl pasta with tongs when plating.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 3 oz pasta with sauce and toppings)
Calories: 410
Sugar: 3
Sodium: 480
Fat: 18
Saturated Fat: 8
Carbohydrates: 48
Fiber: 3
Protein: 13

Keywords: Halloween pasta, black pasta, squid ink pasta, spooky dinner, party recipe, vegetarian option, easy pasta, dramatic food, kid-friendly, gluten-free option