Save This ghoulish green pasta with pesto swirl transforms dinner into a playful Halloween experience while delivering incredible flavor. The vibrant spinach-basil pesto paired with ghostly ricotta swirls creates a dish that's as delicious as it is visually striking. Perfect for a spooky dinner party or simply adding some fun to your weeknight meals.
I created this recipe last Halloween when my sister and her kids came over unexpectedly. The children were so enchanted by the ghostly swirls that they actually asked for seconds of a vegetable-packed dish. Now it has become our October tradition.
Ingredients
- Fresh baby spinach leaves: provide the vibrant green color and pack this dish with nutrients
- Fresh basil leaves: add that classic aromatic pesto flavor that elevates the entire dish
- Pine nuts or walnuts: contribute essential richness and texture to the pesto
- Garlic cloves: bring a punch of flavor that mellows beautifully when blended into the pesto
- Extra virgin olive oil: creates the silky texture essential for a proper pesto
- Parmesan cheese: adds umami depth and helps bind the sauce together
- Ricotta cheese: creates those ghostly swirls with its perfect creamy texture
- Spinach fettuccine: enhances the green theme but regular pasta works well too
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil before adding a generous tablespoon of salt. Add your spinach pasta and cook according to package directions until perfectly al dente usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining this will be crucial for creating the perfect sauce consistency later. Toss the drained pasta with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking while you prepare the other components.
- Create the Ghoulish Pesto:
- Place all pesto ingredients except the olive oil into your food processor. Pulse several times until everything is roughly chopped. Then with the processor running slowly stream in the olive oil through the feed tube until you achieve a smooth vibrant green sauce. Take a moment to taste and adjust the seasoning remembering that the pasta will dilute the flavor slightly. The pesto should be vibrant green with a balanced flavor of basil garlic and cheese.
- Prepare the Ghostly Ricotta Swirl:
- In a small bowl whisk the ricotta cheese with a tablespoon of milk or cream until smooth and easily dolloped. The consistency should be similar to thick yogurt not too runny but fluid enough to create ghostly swirls. Add just a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor without making it overly salty. This contrast of the white ricotta against the green pasta creates the spooky visual effect.
- Combine Pasta and Pesto:
- Return your drained pasta to the pot over low heat. Add the freshly made pesto a spoonful at a time tossing constantly to ensure even coating. Add splashes of the reserved pasta water as needed until the sauce reaches a silky consistency that clings to the pasta. The starch in the pasta water helps the pesto adhere to each strand creating the perfect texture.
- Create the Ghostly Presentation:
- Divide the vibrant green pasta among serving bowls arranging it in a nest-like formation. Using a spoon dollop the ricotta mixture on top then use a toothpick or the tip of a knife to create swirling ghost shapes. For maximum visual impact create three to five white ricotta ghosts per serving.
Save The pine nuts are truly the secret star of this recipe. I once made it without toasting them first and the difference was remarkable. Taking those extra two minutes to toast the pine nuts until golden brings out their nutty flavor and completely transforms the pesto from good to extraordinary.
Storage Tips
This ghoulish pasta keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container. The vibrant green color will darken slightly over time but the flavor remains delicious. When reheating add a splash of water or olive oil to revive the sauce as it tends to thicken when chilled. For best results reheat gently on the stovetop rather than in the microwave to maintain the texture of both pasta and sauce.
Seasonal Adaptations
Spring Version
Replace some spinach with fresh spring peas for sweetness
Add lemon zest for brightness
Incorporate fresh mint leaves for seasonal freshness
Summer Version
Add cherry tomatoes halved and slightly warmed as a colorful garnish
Mix in grilled zucchini pieces
Use lemon basil instead of regular basil for a citrusy note
Fall Version
Incorporate roasted butternut squash cubes
Add toasted pumpkin seeds instead of pine nuts
Finish with crispy fried sage leaves
Kid-Friendly Modifications
This pasta already appeals to children with its fun color and ghostly shapes but you can make it even more kid-friendly. Consider cutting the pasta into smaller pieces for younger children. You can also reduce the garlic slightly for milder flavor or create faces on the ricotta ghosts using small pieces of black olives for eyes. Let children help with creating the ghost shapes for a fun kitchen activity that increases their investment in trying the finished dish.
Save The pine nuts are truly the secret star of this recipe. I once made it without toasting them first and the difference was remarkable. Taking those extra two minutes to toast the pine nuts until golden brings out their nutty flavor and completely transforms the pesto from good to extraordinary.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → How can I enhance the green color of the pasta?
Add a drop of green food coloring to the pasta water for a more vivid hue, enhancing the festive look.
- → Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes! Use dairy-free ricotta and vegan Parmesan, and ensure your pasta is egg-free for a fully plant-based option.
- → What type of nuts can I use in the pesto?
Pine nuts are classic, but walnuts or cashews make a great substitute for a different twist on the flavor.
- → How do I achieve a smooth and creamy ricotta swirl?
Mix ricotta with milk or cream and a pinch of salt until smooth for an easy-to-swirl, luscious topping.
- → Which pasta varieties work best?
Spinach fettuccine or tagliatelle are ideal, but regular pasta works well—especially with a few drops of food coloring.
- → What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp Italian white wine such as Pinot Grigio complements the fresh basil and creamy cheese flavors beautifully.