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Easy Halloween Pasta

Easy Halloween Pasta

This Easy Halloween Pasta is a creamy, silky broccoli-cheddar sauce blended smooth and tossed with mini pasta for a kid-friendly, cheesy weeknight meal. Ready in about 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick Halloween dinner and can be finished with Parmesan, cracked black pepper, or mozzarella and olive “eyeballs” for a spooky touch.
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Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:10 minutes
Total Time:20 minutes
Course: Main
Keyword: fall, Halloween, kid-friendly, make-ahead

Equipment

  • Calphalon 5-Quart Pot
  • Storage Containers
  • Vitamix Blender

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • ½ cup reduced-sodium broth chicken or vegetable
  • cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ¼ teaspoon salt optional
  • 1 pound pasta such as elbow or other mini pasta shape
  • Parmesan cheese cracked black pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat a large pan over medium-low heat. Add the olive oil and garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  2. Add the broccoli and ¼ cup of the broth to the pan. Cover and cook for 4-6 minutes, or until the broccoli is just soft when poked with a fork. Remove the lid, add the spinach, and stir until wilted.
  3. Transfer the vegetables to a blender with the remaining ¼ cup broth, the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and butter. Blend until smooth, adding a pinch of salt to taste if desired.
  4. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain.
  5. Toss the cooked, drained pasta with as much or as little sauce as you like and warm through if needed. Top with Parmesan and cracked black pepper or use mozzarella and olive 'eyeballs' for a Halloween garnish if desired.

Notes

Store any leftovers in anairtight containerin the fridge for 3-5 days. Warm for 30-60 seconds in the microwave to serve.
You can make the cheese sauce up to 3 days ahead and store it in anairtight container. Warm for 15-30 seconds in the microwave before stirring into the pasta.
Freeze prepared cheese sauce for up to 6 months. You can do small portions by freezing it in an ice cube tray.
Use whichever kind of pasta your family likes best.
Omit the garlic if you’re worried the kids may not like it.
Stir the sauce into the pasta right before serving.
Dairy-free: Omit the cheese, use more broth in place of the cream, and add ½ cup white beans.