Description
Candy Cane Pasta is a festive and visually stunning dish perfect for holiday dinners. This recipe features tender fettuccine tossed in creamy cheese sauces, with half of the pasta colored red to create a whimsical candy cane effect. The creamy Parmesan and mozzarella sauce is gently simmered and infused with a hint of garlic and red pepper flakes for subtle heat. Garnished with fresh herbs, this vibrant dish brings both flavor and holiday cheer to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red gel food coloring or natural beet juice (for coloring)
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and spices: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in red pepper flakes if using for a gentle spicy kick.
- Prepare the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Divide and color the sauce: Transfer the sauce into two separate bowls. Add red gel food coloring or beet juice to one bowl and mix thoroughly until you achieve a vibrant red or pink hue.
- Toss pasta in sauces: Divide the cooked pasta evenly. Toss one half of the pasta into the white sauce and the other half into the colored sauce, making sure all strands are coated evenly.
- Create the candy cane effect: On serving plates, alternate strands of colored and white pasta to mimic the look of candy canes. Arrange them decoratively for a festive presentation.
- Garnish and serve: Top the pasta with fresh basil or parsley. Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy texture and colorful display at its best.
Notes
- For an extra festive touch, sprinkle crushed peppermint on top for decoration only—it adds visual appeal without altering the flavor.
- To maintain the vibrant red color, avoid overmixing the colored pasta with the white sauce.
