Description
This dramatic pasta features a vibrant, creamy beet sauce for a spooky Halloween dinner. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for parties or family nights, with bold flavors and eye-catching color.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine (regular, gluten-free, or whole wheat)
- Water, for boiling
- Salt (for seasoning the water)
- 2 medium beets (about 8 oz), peeled and diced
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for roasting)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley leaves (for garnish)
- Mozzarella balls or sliced olives (optional, for spooky garnish)
- Extra parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Peel and dice beets into 1-inch cubes. Place beets and garlic cloves on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and roast for 25–30 minutes until beets are fork-tender and garlic is golden. (Microwave beets with a splash of water for 8–10 minutes if short on time.)
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions (usually 8–10 minutes for al dente). Stir occasionally. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- In a blender or food processor, add roasted beets, garlic, remaining olive oil, cream, parmesan (if using), balsamic vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Blend until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes). Add a splash of pasta water if too thick.
- Return drained pasta to the hot pot. Pour beet sauce over pasta and toss until noodles are coated. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time for silkier texture.
- Serve pasta in bowls or on a platter. Top with basil or parsley, mozzarella balls, sliced olives, and extra parmesan. Arrange mozzarella and olives as ‘eyeballs’ for spooky effect.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or balsamic as needed.
Notes
Roasting beets and garlic intensifies flavor and color. For vegan, use coconut cream and skip parmesan. Add pasta water gradually for creamy sauce. Beets can stain—wash hands and tools promptly. Customize garnishes for extra spooky fun. Sauce can be made ahead and stored in fridge for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 3 oz pasta with sauce)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 480
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 60
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 12
Keywords: Halloween, beet pasta, spooky dinner, vegetarian, party recipe, easy pasta, creamy beet sauce, kid-friendly, holiday, gluten-free option