Description
This Candy Cane Pasta recipe is a festive and whimsical dish perfect for the holiday season. Featuring red and white pasta swirls reminiscent of candy canes, topped with a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce and crushed candy cane bits, it’s a delightful main course that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
Fettuccine or Linguine:
8 ounces
Olive Oil:
1 tablespoon
Garlic (minced):
2 cloves
Heavy Cream:
1/2 cup
Grated Parmesan Cheese:
1/2 cup
Salt:
1/2 teaspoon
Black Pepper:
1/4 teaspoon
Red Food Coloring:
Gel or liquid
Crushed Candy Canes:
2 tablespoons (for garnish)
Fresh Basil or Parsley:
Optional, for color contrast
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- Prepare the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Drain the pasta and divide into two portions. Color one portion red with food coloring. Combine red and white noodles on plates in a swirl pattern. Drizzle with the creamy sauce, sprinkle crushed candy canes, and garnish with herbs.
Notes
- For a sweeter version, use a white chocolate cream sauce instead of Parmesan.
- For a kid-friendly twist, serve with marshmallow ‘meatballs’ or red and green sprinkles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Holiday-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
