Vampire Pasta (Spooky Squid Ink Pasta with Garlic Shrimp)

Vampire Pasta brings the ultimate spooky twist with jet-black squid ink noodles and garlicky shrimp tossed in a citrusy, briny sauce. It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for any Halloween feast that needs a dramatic centerpiece.

Why You’ll Love This Vampire Pasta

If you’re planning a Halloween menu, this Vampire Pasta is the dish that gets everyone talking. The dark squid ink pasta sets the stage for a spooky yet elegant meal. Paired with juicy shrimp and a garlicky, lemony sauce, the flavors balance richness with freshness.

Perfect for Halloween Parties

Halloween food should be fun and a little over the top. This pasta looks creepy enough to thrill your guests while still tasting refined and delicious. Pair it with treats like bloody spaghetti with mozzarella eyeballs for a full haunted dinner spread.

Bold Flavors with Simple Ingredients

Even though it looks dramatic, this recipe uses pantry-friendly items like garlic, olive oil, white wine, and lemon juice. The squid ink pasta adds a subtle briny flavor, making it taste as striking as it looks.

Quick and Easy – Ready in 25 Minutes

With a cook time of just 15 minutes, you can pull this off even on a busy night. Serve it right away for the best texture and flavor, and you’ll still have time to prep other party favorites like mummy meatloaf spooky Halloween dinner.

Vampire Pasta Ingredients

• 12 oz squid ink pasta (find at Italian markets or online)
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, optional

The squid ink pasta gives this dish its “vampire” look and briny taste. Shrimp cook quickly and bring sweetness, but you can swap in scallops or chicken for variety. Fresh parsley and Parmesan brighten up the rich flavors, while a drizzle of roasted red pepper sauce can add extra spooky vibes.

Recipe Details

Servings

Serves 4 people generously

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Total Time

25 minutes

How to Make Vampire Pasta Step by Step

Step 1 – Cook the Squid Ink Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the squid ink pasta until al dente, usually 8–9 minutes. Drain, but reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water. This water will help bind the sauce later.

Step 2 – Sauté the Garlic and Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Toss in shrimp and red pepper flakes. Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.

Step 3 – Deglaze with Wine and Lemon Juice

Pour in white wine and lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the pan to release all those flavorful bits. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes so the sauce reduces slightly.

Step 4 – Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 5 – Garnish and Serve

Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan if you like. For a scarier presentation, drizzle with roasted red pepper sauce before serving.

Recipe Tips & Variations

Easy Substitutions

If shrimp isn’t your thing, scallops or grilled chicken work beautifully here. Just adjust the cooking time so your protein stays juicy.

Add Extra Spook Factor

A drizzle of roasted red pepper sauce adds “bloody” flair against the black pasta. It’s an easy way to dial up the Halloween drama while boosting flavor.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep the pasta from drying out. This dish tastes best fresh but holds up well for next-day lunches.

Related Recipes to Try

• bloody spaghetti with mozzarella eyeballs
• mummy meatloaf spooky halloween dinner
• halloween vampire bite cupcakes
• eyeball jello shots amazing halloween recipe
• spiderweb halloween pizza recipe
• spooky eyeball fudge brownies recipe

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

Vampire Pasta is spooky, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. The squid ink noodles create a haunting look, while garlic shrimp bring savory depth and lemon keeps it bright. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a show-stopping dish fit for any Halloween table. Serve this Vampire Pasta at your next Halloween party and watch it disappear before the night is over. For more inspiration, you can also check my Pinterest boards packed with festive food ideas.

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