Description
Candy Cane Pasta is a festive, fun, and visually striking dish perfect for holiday dinners. Featuring tender fettuccine tossed in a creamy Parmesan sauce with a swirling red and white effect reminiscent of candy canes, this recipe is garnished with crushed peppermint candy canes and fresh herbs to add a bright, refreshing touch. It’s an ideal main course or holiday side that combines classic flavors with whimsical holiday flair.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Garnish
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candy canes (for garnish)
- Fresh basil or parsley, finely chopped (optional for garnish)
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Red natural food coloring or beet juice (optional for color)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine or linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce Base: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using, sautéing for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Make Cream Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, salt, and black pepper, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Add Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is melted and smooth.
- Create Red Sauce: For the candy cane stripe effect, transfer half of the cream sauce to a separate bowl and add a few drops of red natural food coloring or beet juice, mixing well to create a pink/red sauce.
- Toss Pasta: Divide the cooked pasta into two portions. Toss one half with the white sauce and the other half with the pink sauce separately.
- Plate and Garnish: On serving plates, swirl together portions of white and pink pasta to achieve the candy cane stripe look. Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candy canes and fresh chopped basil or parsley if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- This pasta is playful and festive rather than sweet; peppermint candy should be used lightly as garnish to avoid overpowering the creamy sauce flavor.
- For a dessert-inspired twist, replace the cream sauce with a sweetened mascarpone and melted white chocolate mixture and use only a small amount of crushed candy cane on top.
- Ideal for holiday parties and themed dinners, especially for children who will enjoy the fun colors and peppermint accents.
