Witches Hair Pasta with Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes Recipe

If you’re a fan of bold flavors with a bit of zing, you’re going to absolutely adore this Witches Hair Pasta with Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes Recipe. It’s quick, simple, and packs a flavorful punch that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight or an impromptu dinner with friends. I remember the first time I tried this dish—it was like discovering a little culinary magic in my own kitchen, and I’m excited to share that magic with you.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a key role; the olive oil and garlic create a fragrant base, while the red pepper flakes bring a touch of heat. The squid ink pasta, affectionately called ‘witches hair,’ not only tastes amazing but gives the dish its dramatic, dark color. When shopping, look for good quality dried squid ink spaghetti—it really elevates the dish.

• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic is essential for that punchy flavor; I like to finely chop it so it infuses the oil perfectly.
• Salt: Adds flavor to your pasta water; it’s the foundation of well-seasoned pasta.
• Dried squid ink spaghetti: The star of the show with its unique color and subtle briny taste.
• Olive oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best depth in flavor.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Adjust the quantity depending on how spicy you like your pasta.

Variations

I love how flexible this Witches Hair Pasta with Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes Recipe is. Over time, I’ve played around with it a bit to suit different moods and ingredients on hand—feel free to put your personal spin on it!

• Add Protein: Sometimes I toss in sautéed shrimp or grilled chicken for a heartier meal, and it works beautifully with the pasta’s flavor.
• Switch Up the Heat: If red pepper flakes feel too harsh, try smoked paprika for a milder, smoky warmth.
• Herbs for Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds a lovely pop of color and freshness that brightens the dish.
• Make It Vegan Friendly: This recipe is naturally vegan, so it’s perfect to whip up when following a plant-based diet.

How to Make Witches Hair Pasta with Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Garlic and Boil the Water

Start by finely chopping 6 large garlic cloves. This might be a little tedious, but trust me, getting the garlic small enough ensures it flavors the olive oil beautifully without big chunks. Meanwhile, bring a large pan of water to a rolling boil, add a generous tablespoon of salt to the water (it should taste like the sea!), and get ready to cook your squid ink spaghetti.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta and Infuse the Oil

Cook your dried squid ink spaghetti according to the packet instructions—usually around 8-10 minutes. While that’s happening, pour ⅓ cup of olive oil into a large pan over low heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and cook gently for about 4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. The goal here is to extract that wonderful garlic aroma into the oil without turning it bitter.

Step 3: Add Red Pepper Flakes and Pasta Water

After the garlic has softened and fragrant, sprinkle in a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Let them toast in the oil for about 30 seconds—the heat helps release their flavor. Then, carefully ladle out half a cup of the hot pasta cooking water and slowly add it to the garlic oil mixture. This step is crucial because the starchy pasta water will help bind your sauce so it clings beautifully to the pasta.

Step 4: Combine and Finish Cooking

Before draining, reserve an additional cup of the pasta water—this can be handy if your sauce needs loosening later on. Drain the pasta and immediately add it to the pan with your garlic and chili oil sauce. Toss everything together over high heat for a minute or so; this is where the flavors really come together. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Serve Witches Hair Pasta with Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of keeping it simple here—just a light scatter of chopped fresh parsley or basil really lifts the dish and adds a fresh contrast to the heat from the red pepper flakes. Sometimes I add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness or a sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan, although traditionalists might skip the cheese to keep the focus on squid ink’s unique flavor.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, or some roasted seasonal vegetables. For something heartier, my family loves crusty garlic bread alongside—it’s perfect for soaking up any leftover oil and sauce at the bottom of the bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try twirling the pasta into neat nests on the plate and topping each with a small pile of finely chopped herbs and a drizzle of chili oil. You can also serve this pasta in small appetizer-sized portions for a Halloween-themed party—its dramatic dark color makes it festive and fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Because the pasta absorbs sauce, adding a splash of olive oil or reserved pasta water before reheating helps keep it from drying out.

Freezing

Freezing this pasta isn’t my favorite since the texture can get a bit off, but if you must, freeze in a shallow container to help it thaw evenly. I recommend freezing cooked pasta and sauce separately if possible.

Reheating

The best way to reheat Witches Hair Pasta with Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes Recipe is in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of reserved pasta water or olive oil to loosen things up. This keeps the pasta silky and avoids that dreaded rubbery texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Witches Hair Pasta with Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes Recipe turns out every single time—it’s such a delightful blend of simplicity and flavor that feels a little indulgent, yet is super easy to make. When I want to impress without stress, this is my go-to. I hope you give it a whirl because there’s truly nothing like twirling a fork around those dramatic black noodles infused with spicy garlic oil. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

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