Witches Hair Pasta (Squid Ink Pasta) - A Great Halloween Dinner

Transform your kitchen into a spooky haven with this jet-black pasta dish that looks like tangled witch's hair. Perfect for a festive Halloween feast, this recipe combines the dramatic look of squid i

15 min Serves 4 Hard Italian

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This straightforward recipe guides you through creating a visually striking squid ink spaghetti dish. By carefully managing the cooking liquid and gently frying garlic in olive oil, you create a rich coating for the dark noodles. The addition of crushed red pepper flakes provides a subtle kick, making it an ideal main course for your Halloween celebration.

Directions

Peel and mince the garlic cloves until they are very fine, then place them in a small bowl.

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Stir in the tablespoon of salt, then drop in the pound of dried squid ink spaghetti. Follow the cooking times listed on the package.

While the noodles are boiling, heat the third of a cup of olive oil in a separate skillet over low heat. Toss in the minced garlic.

Gently fry the garlic in the oil for four minutes, making sure to stir it often so it does not burn.

Sprinkle in the teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes and let them sizzle for just thirty seconds.

Before draining the noodles, scoop out half a cup of the starchy cooking liquid using a measuring cup.

Slowly pour that reserved pasta water into the skillet with the garlic and oil.

Allow the liquid to bubble and reduce slightly while you wait for the pasta to finish cooking.

Just before you drain the spaghetti, save another full cup of the cooking water in a separate container.

Transfer the drained squid ink spaghetti directly into the skillet. Increase the heat to high and toss everything together vigorously until the noodles are fully coated.

If the dish looks too dry, drizzle in a little of the extra reserved pasta water. Plate the dish right away for the best texture.