Go Back

Spooky Black Bean Pasta

This playful Halloween-inspired pasta features a velvety sauce made from black beans or squid ink, giving it a dark, eerie hue and smoky flavor. Sturdy pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni hold the sauce well, and finished with cheese or edible glitter for a shimmering, whimsical appearance. The dish is hearty, creamy, and perfect for a fun family feast or spooky gathering.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Halloween
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni) sturdy shapes that hold the sauce well
  • 2 cups black beans or squid ink for the dark sauce base
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing
  • 1/2 cup cheese or edible glitter for finishing
  • a handful fresh parsley or basil chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Deep skillet or frying pan
  • Spoon or piping bag
  • Colander
  • Cooking spoon

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente, about 8 minutes, until it is tender with a slight bite. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, until you smell its nutty aroma.
  3. Add the black beans or squid ink to the skillet, stirring continuously to create a smooth, dark sauce that thickens slightly and coats the pan with a glossy finish. Let it simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Using a spoon or piping bag, shape tiny spooky shapes such as ghosts or bats from the black bean mixture and gently place them into the sauce, allowing them to set slightly and become shiny and dark.
  5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and dark shapes. Toss gently with a cooking spoon to coat all the pasta evenly and let it simmer for another minute so flavors meld and shapes slightly set.
  6. Sprinkle the cheese or edible glitter over the pasta for a shimmering, magical effect. Finish with chopped fresh parsley or basil for a bright, herbal touch.
  7. Serve immediately while hot, garnished with additional herbs or glitter for extra fun. Enjoy the spooky, creamy pasta with its eerie dark hues and bright accents!