Pin This ghoulish green pasta has become my Halloween dinner tradition, transforming an ordinary pasta night into a spooky feast that delights both kids and adults alike. The vibrant green noodles paired with creamy white swirls create an eerie yet appetizing visual that perfectly captures the Halloween spirit while still delivering incredible flavor.
I first created this dish when hosting a last minute Halloween gathering and needed something festive yet substantial. The contrast between the vibrant green pasta and ghostly white ricotta swirls had everyone taking photos before diving in and it has been requested at every October gathering since.
Ingredients
- Spinach fettuccine or tagliatelle: provides the perfect ghoulish green base and adds a mild earthy flavor that complements the pesto
- Fresh basil leaves: deliver bright aromatic flavor look for vibrant green leaves without brown spots
- Baby spinach: intensifies the green color while adding nutritional value
- Pine nuts: create rich buttery texture in the pesto toast them lightly for enhanced flavor
- Parmesan cheese: adds savory depth and umami choose aged Parmigiano Reggiano for best results
- Fresh garlic cloves: provide essential pungent flavor select firm bulbs without sprouting
- Extra virgin olive oil: binds the pesto together use a good quality oil for best flavor
- Ricotta cheese: creates the ghostly swirl effect choose whole milk ricotta for creaminess
- Fresh lemon juice and zest: brighten the ricotta and balance the rich pesto
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add a generous tablespoon of salt. The water should taste like the sea. Add your spinach pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente typically 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining this will help your sauce cling to the pasta. Test a strand by biting into it you want slight resistance in the center.
- Prepare the vibrant pesto:
- While the pasta cooks add basil leaves spinach pine nuts Parmesan and garlic to your food processor. Pulse several times until the ingredients are roughly chopped. Scrape down the sides with a spatula to ensure even processing. With the motor running slowly drizzle in the olive oil through the feed tube until you achieve a smooth vibrant green sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper tasting as you go.
- Create the ghostly ricotta swirl:
- In a bowl combine the ricotta cheese with fresh lemon juice and zest along with a pinch of salt. Whisk vigorously until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly fluffy. The lemon brightens the flavor and thins the consistency just enough to create perfect ghostly swirls. Cover and set aside at room temperature until ready to use.
- Combine pasta and pesto:
- Return the drained pasta to the still warm pot. Add the freshly made pesto and toss gently using tongs to coat every strand. If the sauce seems too thick add a splash of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. The starch in the water helps the sauce adhere beautifully to the pasta.
- Create the ghoulish effect:
- Transfer the vibrant green pasta to serving plates creating a small mound in the center of each dish. Using a spoon dollop several portions of the white ricotta mixture on top. With the tip of a knife or a toothpick gently swirl the ricotta into the pasta creating ghostly patterns that contrast against the green background. Work quickly while everything is still warm.
Pin The pine nuts are truly the secret hero of this dish. I once tried making it without toasting them first and the difference was remarkable. Taking just an extra three minutes to toast them in a dry skillet until golden brings out their natural oils and creates a nutty depth that elevates the entire pesto. My family now refuses to eat it any other way.
Make Ahead Options
This ghoulish pasta can be partially prepared in advance to make Halloween dinner less hectic. The pesto can be made up to two days ahead and stored in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent oxidation. The ricotta mixture can be prepared and refrigerated up to one day ahead just bring it to room temperature before serving for easier swirling. Cook the pasta fresh just before serving for the best texture and appearance.
Festive Serving Ideas
Transform this pasta into a complete Halloween feast by serving it alongside other themed dishes. Place the pasta in a black bowl for dramatic contrast or on a white plate where the green really pops. Add some plastic spider rings around the edge of plates for a playful touch or serve with breadsticks wrapped to look like witch fingers. For adult gatherings pair with a blood red wine like Chianti served in goblets for maximum effect.
Kid Friendly Adaptations
Children love this pasta not just for its spooky appearance but also for its mild flavor profile. For younger palates consider reducing the garlic in the pesto to one clove instead of two. Let kids help with the ricotta swirling part turning dinner preparation into a fun Halloween activity. Some children prefer their pasta elements separated so consider serving some plain pasta with pesto and ricotta on the side allowing them to create their own ghostly designs.
Seasonal Variations
Spring version use fresh peas pureed into the ricotta for color contrast Summer adaptation incorporate fresh cherry tomatoes as bloody eyeballs Fall option add roasted butternut squash cubes for orange Halloween color Winter twist include crispy pancetta bits for added texture and flavor
Nutritional Benefits
The combination of spinach and basil provides significant amounts of vitamins A and K making this a nutritionally valuable meal. The pine nuts and olive oil deliver healthy fats while the pasta provides satisfying complex carbohydrates. For a more protein rich version consider adding grilled chicken breast slices or white beans to the finished dish. The ricotta adds calcium making this a well rounded meal despite its festive appearance.
Pin Remember that the true magic of this ghoulish green pasta lies in its versatility. While designed as a Halloween showstopper it can easily become a springtime fresh pasta or even a Christmas dish with the addition of sundried tomatoes for a red and green theme. The techniques you learn making this festive meal will serve you well throughout the year whenever you want to transform a simple pasta dinner into something visually spectacular without sacrificing flavor or requiring complicated techniques.
Recipe FAQ
- → How can I enhance the green color of the pasta?
Use high-quality spinach pasta and add additional fresh spinach to the pesto for an even more vibrant hue.
- → What can I use instead of pine nuts?
Walnuts or cashews are excellent substitutes for pine nuts in the pesto.
- → Can this dish be made vegan?
Yes, simply use dairy-free cheese and plant-based ricotta alternatives for a vegan version.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently to preserve the creamy texture.
- → What are some festive garnishing options?
Chopped black olives or roasted pumpkin seeds make playful, colorful toppings for extra Halloween flair.