Spooky Pasta

Why Make This Recipe

Spooky Pasta is not just about the taste; it’s also fun and festive! This dish is perfect for Halloween parties or themed dinners. The squid ink spaghetti gives a unique look, making it an eye-catching dish on your table. It’s a delicious way to get into the Halloween spirit while enjoying a creamy and flavorful pasta meal.

How to Make Spooky Pasta

Ingredients:

400 grams (14 oz) squid ink spaghetti
16 button mushrooms
2 ½ tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small brown onion (finely diced)
100 grams bacon (short cut/Canadian bacon)
2-3 garlic cloves
125 mls (½ cup) dry white wine
125 mls (½ cup) thickened cream
85 grams (3 oz) parmesan cheese (finely grated)
½ bunch fresh thyme (leaves removed from woody stems)

Directions:

Prepare mushroom skulls as per instructions in the notes section below.
Place a large pot of water with a generous sprinkle of salt on the stove ready to bring to a boil.
In a large non-stick frying pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with olive oil over medium heat.
When the butter is foaming, place mushrooms in the pan cut side down, skull faces up. Cook them in two batches if needed to avoid crowding the pan.
Cook the mushrooms until browned and caramelized on their undersides. Flip them over and cook for no more than a minute. Remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same frying pan, add the remaining ½ tablespoon of butter and melt it.
Add onions to the pan and cook over medium-low heat until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Once the onions are cooked, add bacon and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Add garlic and white wine to the pan, stirring as it cooks.
Continue cooking until the wine has reduced by half, thickening the mixture.
At this point, start bringing your pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
Add cream to the pan and cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Reserve a couple of pinches of parmesan for serving. Stir the remaining parmesan into the sauce until melted.
Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Set the sauce aside until the pasta is ready.
When the water is boiling, add the squid ink spaghetti and cook according to package instructions. Be careful not to overcook it.
Reserve some of the pasta water, about a cup, before draining the spaghetti.
Place the sauce back on low-medium heat, toss in the drained spaghetti, and combine well. If it is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water.
Gently toss in the skull mushrooms and serve immediately with a sprinkle of fresh thyme and reserved parmesan.

How to Serve Spooky Pasta

Serve Spooky Pasta while it is hot. You can garnish it with extra parsley or thyme for a fresh touch. For an added scare factor, place the mushroom skulls on top of the pasta before serving.

How to Store Spooky Pasta

If you have leftovers, store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It can be kept for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to help return its creamy texture.

Tips to Make Spooky Pasta

Use good quality squid ink spaghetti for the best flavor and texture.
Don’t rush the cooking of the mushrooms; allow them to brown to get that delicious richness.
Taste and adjust the seasoning throughout the cooking process, especially the sauce.

Variation

You can make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using extra mushrooms in its place. You can also substitute squid ink spaghetti with regular pasta if squid ink is not available.

FAQs

Can I use regular spaghetti instead of squid ink spaghetti?
Yes, you can substitute regular spaghetti, but it won’t have the same spooky color!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce in advance and just cook the pasta when you’re ready to serve.

What can I serve with Spooky Pasta?
A simple green salad or garlic bread pairs nicely with this dish for a complete meal.