If you love bold flavors and quick, simple meals, then this Witches Hair Pasta with Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes Recipe is going to become your new go-to. I absolutely adore how the punchy garlic and the gentle heat from the red pepper flakes come together with the dramatic black squid ink spaghetti — it’s a total crowd-pleaser that’s deceptively easy to whip up. Stick with me—I’ll walk you through every step because this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic, and I want you to enjoy it just as much as I do!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- So Quick and Easy: You’ll have dinner on the table in under 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Bold, Balanced Flavors: The garlic-infused oil and red pepper flakes add punch without overpowering the subtle squid ink pasta.
- Minimal Ingredients: It’s mostly pantry staples with just a delicious, unique twist from the squid ink spaghetti.
- Versatile and Customizable: Easy to tweak with extra veggies or protein if you like, making it a perfect base recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic here comes from a handful of simple ingredients that pack so much flavor together. Choosing good quality olive oil and fresh garlic makes all the difference, and don’t skimp on the squid ink spaghetti—it really adds that mysterious ‘witches hair’ vibe and taste that makes the dish stand out.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh is best here, finely chopped to release that fragrant, savory goodness.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning the pasta water so the noodles have flavor from the inside out.
- Dried squid ink spaghetti: This is your “witches hair”—it’s black, dramatic, and super fun to cook with.
- Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for rich flavor and silky texture.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: The perfect heat element—adds just the right kick without burning your mouth.
Variations
I love that this Witches Hair Pasta with Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes Recipe is a great base for experimenting. Feel free to mix it up to suit your mood or pantry stock—I’ve tried it a dozen different ways, and you’ll enjoy the versatility.
- Add Protein: Toss in some grilled shrimp or sautéed chicken for a heartier meal—my family goes crazy for this addition on busy nights.
- Veggie Boost: Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers all add freshness and color; I often throw in whatever veggies I have around.
- Make it Vegan: This recipe is already plant-based! For extra depth, you can sprinkle nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a cheesy flavor.
- Lower Spice: If red pepper flakes are too much for you, feel free to dial back the heat or switch to smoked paprika for a smoky, mild kick.
How to Make Witches Hair Pasta with Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes Recipe
Step 1: Garlic Prep and Infusion
Start by finely chopping your garlic cloves—this step is crucial because smaller pieces release more flavor into the oil. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil gently on low, then add your chopped garlic. Stir frequently and let it cook for about 4 minutes until it becomes aromatic and slightly golden but not burnt. This slow infusion is where the flavor foundation is built.
Step 2: Cooking the Pasta Perfectly
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (yes, add salt generously—that saltiness seasons the pasta inside and out). Cook your squid ink spaghetti according to the package instructions, usually around 8–10 minutes. I like to taste early; you want it al dente for the best texture and mouthfeel. Before draining, scoop out about 1.5 cups of that starchy pasta water—trust me, you’ll want it for finishing the sauce.
Step 3: Adding Heat and Combining
Once the garlic has infused the olive oil, sprinkle in your crushed red pepper flakes and cook for just 30 seconds to wake up the spice without burning it. Slowly add half a cup of the reserved pasta water to the garlic oil—this helps meld the flavors and create a silky sauce. Then turn the heat up to high, add your drained pasta right into the pan, and toss vigorously to coat every strand. Add more pasta water as needed to keep things saucy but not sloppy. This simple technique transforms basic oil and garlic into an irresistible sauce.
Pro Tips for Making Witches Hair Pasta with Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes Recipe
- Don’t Burn the Garlic: Keep the heat low when infusing the oil—burnt garlic tastes bitter and can ruin the dish.
- Reserve Pasta Water: That starchy water is liquid gold; it helps bind the sauce and adds silkiness.
- Use Cold-Pressed Olive Oil: A quality olive oil elevates the flavor—I’ve tasted the difference every single time.
- Toss Pasta Over High Heat: This locks in flavor and produces a better texture instead of a soggy mess.
How to Serve Witches Hair Pasta with Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes Recipe
Garnishes
I usually finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a little fresh parsley or basil for that pop of color and fresh aroma. Sometimes, I layer on a shaving of Parmesan if I’m feeling indulgent—but it’s absolutely perfect without cheese too, especially if you want to keep it vegan.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides are a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette and crusty garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini make a great, light companion to this pasta, balancing out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, I like twirling individual portions into pretty nests on the plate and drizzling a little extra olive oil around the edges. Adding edible flowers or microgreens on top makes it look like a gourmet creation, and trust me, your guests will be wowed!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers covered tightly in an airtight container in the fridge and usually eat them within 2 days. The pasta does soak up the sauce over time, so it can dry out a bit, but you can easily revive it with a splash of olive oil or some pasta water when reheating.
Freezing
I’ve tried freezing this pasta, but honestly, the texture of the squid ink spaghetti changes a bit, becoming softer. If you want to freeze, I recommend holding off on combining the pasta and sauce—freeze the cooked pasta and sauce separately, then gently reheat and combine for best results.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, warm the pasta gently in a non-stick skillet over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil. Toss frequently to prevent sticking and to refresh the silky sauce texture—microwaving tends to dry it out, so I avoid that if I can.
FAQs
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What is “Witches Hair” pasta?
“Witches Hair” pasta refers to black squid ink spaghetti, named for its striking dark color and long, thin strands that resemble tangled hair. The squid ink adds a subtle briny flavor that pairs beautifully with simple ingredients like garlic and chili flakes.
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Can I use regular spaghetti instead of squid ink pasta?
Absolutely! While the squid ink pasta gives this dish its unique look and flavor, regular spaghetti works just fine if you can’t find it. The garlic and red pepper flakes still shine, and you’ll have a delicious, comforting meal.
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How spicy is this recipe?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a medium level of heat that builds gently. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount or skip altogether; if you love spicy, add more or sprinkle some fresh cayenne right before serving.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the squid ink spaghetti for a gluten-free pasta of your choice, and follow the recipe as usual. The flavors remain just as delightful and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Witches Hair Pasta with Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes Recipe is one of those dishes I find myself coming back to again and again. It’s simple, speedy, and packed with flavor, yet feels special thanks to that dramatic black pasta and the glow of garlic-infused oil. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing friends, I promise you’ll enjoy every bite. Give it a try—you might just fall as hard for it as I have!
Print
Witches Hair Pasta with Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Witches Hair Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish featuring squid ink spaghetti tossed with garlic-infused olive oil and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes. This recipe uses minimal ingredients to create a deliciously aromatic pasta, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 6 large garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 lb dried squid ink spaghetti
For the Sauce
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic: Finely chop the garlic cloves and set them aside for later use to infuse the oil with their flavor.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pan of water to a boil, add the tablespoon of salt, and cook the squid ink spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Infuse the Olive Oil: While the pasta cooks, place the olive oil and chopped garlic into a large pan and cook over low heat for 4 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning and to release the garlic aroma.
- Add Heat: Add the crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic oil and cook for an additional 30 seconds to combine the flavors.
- Add Pasta Water: Carefully measure and add ½ cup of the hot pasta cooking water into the garlic oil mixture. Allow this to simmer gently to create a silky sauce while you drain the pasta.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, reserve an additional cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the pasta and add it directly to the pan with the garlic oil sauce. Toss and stir vigorously over high heat to ensure the pasta is well coated.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta cooking water to achieve a glossy, smooth texture.
- Serve: Serve the pasta immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Be careful not to burn the garlic while sautéing as it will turn bitter.
- Squid ink spaghetti adds a unique flavor and striking black color, but regular spaghetti can be used as a substitute.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Reserve pasta water is essential as the starch helps the sauce cling to the pasta, giving it a creamy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
