Candy Cane Pasta Recipe
There’s simply no better way to light up your holiday table than with Candy Cane Pasta. This dish is a joyful celebration of color and flavor, featuring rich, creamy tomato sauce-drenched penne in vibrant red and green stripes. Every bite brings a cozy blend of Italian comfort and festive flair, making it the ultimate show-stopper for Christmas dinner or any party that calls for a bit of whimsy and warmth. You’ll be amazed at how easily a handful of everyday ingredients come together for a results that feels special and magical every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll only need a simple selection of pantry staples and a couple of colorful touches to create Candy Cane Pasta, but don’t underestimate how important each element is! Every ingredient plays a key role, whether it’s adding bold color, building layers of cozy flavor, or giving that irresistible creamy texture you’ll crave all year long.
- Penne pasta or rigatoni (12 ounces): Both shapes work perfectly, holding sauce well and creating gorgeous stripes for your candy cane effect.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Essential for sautéing and infusing rich, earthy flavor into the sauce base.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Adds zingy, aromatic warmth that wakes up the tomatoes.
- Onion, finely diced (1 medium): Deepens the sauce’s flavor for a truly homemade taste.
- Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 28 ounces): The heart of your sauce, bringing juicy sweetness and classic red color.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Intensifies tomato flavor—it’s a small amount with a big punch.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): Just a touch to balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes.
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Brings in an herbaceous, Italian aroma that makes this dish pop.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Earthy and floral, it underscores the classic red sauce vibe.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle kick for those who love a little heat.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): These are crucial—taste as you go for the perfect seasoning.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Transforms the sauce into something dreamy and luscious.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): For a nutty, savory boost that melts right in.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): Adds gooey, stretchy goodness and makes a stunning topping.
- Fresh basil, chopped (1/4 cup): A fresh, peppery final touch that lifts all the flavors.
- Red gel food coloring (1–2 drops): Gives you brilliant holiday red stripes without overpowering the flavor.
- Green gel food coloring (1–2 drops): The secret to those eye-catching, festive green stripes.
How to Make Candy Cane Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add your penne or rigatoni. Cook according to package directions until al dente—it should have just a little bite to it. Drain the pasta well and set it aside. Don’t rinse the noodles, so the sauce sticks beautifully later!
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, then sauté for about three minutes, until everything is soft, fragrant, and just beginning to turn golden. The smell alone will tell you you’re off to a great start with your Candy Cane Pasta.
Step 3: Build the Tomato Sauce
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, and (if you like a little heat) red pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper to your taste. Let this lovely mixture simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the flavors have time to meld.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until the sauce becomes silky and blush-pink in color. This is where the magic happens, turning a classic tomato sauce into a dreamy, ultra-comforting treat.
Step 5: Divide and Color the Sauce
Carefully split your sauce between two bowls. Add a drop or two of red gel food coloring to one, and the same of green to the other. Mix well—watch as the colors brighten right before your eyes! You’ll instantly see how this step transforms simple pasta into the start of Candy Cane Pasta.
Step 6: Toss and Arrange the Pasta
Divide your cooked pasta evenly between two large bowls. Gently toss one half in the red sauce and the other in the green sauce, making sure every piece is coated. On your serving platter, alternate sections of red and green pasta so they form a festive candy cane stripe pattern—let your creativity guide you!
Step 7: Top and Serve
Sprinkle the striped pasta with shredded mozzarella and freshly chopped basil right before serving. For an extra snowy look, dust a little more Parmesan over the top. If you want the cheese even meltier, you can pop the entire platter in the oven for a few minutes. Serve immediately and bask in the festive applause!
How to Serve Candy Cane Pasta
Garnishes
Go for a generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top for that snowy, magical finish—just like winter on a plate! Fresh basil ribbons add color and aroma, while a few twists of black pepper accent the creamy sauce. If you’re after extra decadence, a drizzle of good olive oil or even a scattering of red pepper flakes for heat makes your Candy Cane Pasta shine brighter than ever.
Side Dishes
Pair your pasta with warm garlic bread or pillowy soft dinner rolls, perfect for mopping up every drop of sauce. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette offsets the pasta’s richness. Roasted brussels sprouts or sautéed green beans are wonderful seasonal sides that play up those festive colors as well.
Creative Ways to Present
Candy Cane Pasta is a natural centerpiece! Try arranging the noodles in the shape of a giant candy cane on a long white platter, or serve individual “stripes” in mini bowls for a playful party vibe. Tuck a real candy cane alongside each serving for a fun touch (just remind guests it’s not for eating with the pasta)—kids, especially, will love it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the pasta cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to three days. The colors will stay vibrant, and the flavor actually deepens as it sits!
Freezing
You can freeze Candy Cane Pasta for up to two months. For best results, place individual portions in freezer-safe containers, separating the red and green pasta if you want to preserve the stripes. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the pasta in a covered dish and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use the microwave—just sprinkle a few drops of water over the top, cover loosely, and heat in one-minute bursts, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Penne and rigatoni are great for holding sauce and making stripes, but you can try ziti, fusilli, or even farfalle for a fun twist. Just pick something that doesn’t get too soft and holds its shape well for the final presentation.
Will the food coloring affect the flavor?
Not at all! A drop or two of gel food coloring gives you that festive pop without any taste. If you’re sensitive to additives, you can find natural vegetable-based gel colors at many grocery stores.
Can I make Candy Cane Pasta vegan?
It’s easy to create a plant-based version. Use your favorite non-dairy cream (like cashew cream), skip the Parmesan and mozzarella or swap with vegan cheeses, and check that your pasta is egg-free. You’ll still get all the color, flavor, and fun!
How can I make it spicy?
For a spicier pasta, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne. You can also stir in chopped Calabrian chiles for a deeper, more complex heat while keeping the festive look.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Kids go wild for Candy Cane Pasta—even picky eaters are captivated by the colors. If serving little ones, simply skip the red pepper flakes and let them help with the assembly for extra fun around the table.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a holiday pasta that’s vibrant, delicious, and completely memorable, look no further than Candy Cane Pasta. This cheerful tradition-in-the-making never fails to draw smiles, and it’s as much fun to make as it is to eat. Give it a try—you’ll see how a little color and a lot of love can transform dinner into a celebration!
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Candy Cane Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the festive spirit with this Candy Cane Pasta recipe that features red and green pasta stripes resembling a candy cane. Creamy and flavorful, this dish is perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces penne pasta or rigatoni
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1–2 drops red gel food coloring
- 1–2 drops green gel food coloring
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Sauté garlic and onion, then add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer, then stir in cream and Parmesan until smooth.
- Add Color: Divide sauce, color one part red and one part green. Toss each with pasta portions.
- Assemble: Arrange pasta in stripes on a platter, top with mozzarella and basil.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- This dish is a festive Christmas favorite.
- Sprinkle with extra Parmesan for a snowy effect.
- Bake briefly to melt the cheese topping if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
