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Spooky Halloween Pasta

This playful Halloween pasta transforms simple spaghetti into a spooky, smoky dish with a web of black flicks that mimic spider webs. The recipe involves cooking al dente pasta, preparing a fragrant, smoky tomato sauce, and creating spooky web effects with black food coloring flicked onto the noodles. The final dish features tender pasta coated in a flavorful sauce, decorated with eerie black webs for a fun and festive presentation.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Halloween
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 400 g spaghetti or fettuccine long noodles work best for web effects
  • 2 cups chopped tomatoes fresh or canned
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes adjust to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black food coloring use sparingly
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil extra-virgin preferred
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional, for serving

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Fork
  • Ladle or slotted spoon
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente, about 8 minutes, then drain using a slotted spoon or colander.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and onion, sautéing until fragrant and golden, about 2 minutes.
  3. Stir in chopped tomatoes and chili flakes, then add a splash of pasta water. Let the sauce simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until it thickens and develops a smoky aroma.
  4. Prepare a small bowl of warm water and mix in a tiny amount of black food coloring. Using a fork, flick black droplets onto the drained pasta to mimic spider webs and create a spooky web pattern.
  5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the smoky tomato sauce, tossing gently to coat the noodles evenly and make sure the webs stay distinct and crisp.
  6. Serve the spooky Halloween pasta hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired, for an extra salty finish.

Notes

Adjust chili flakes for heat preference. Flick black water quickly to prevent smudging. Use long noodles for best web effects.