Why You'll Love This Halloween Recipe
Green food is an easy Halloween win and pesto gnocchi is a 20-minute dinner any night of the year. The Frankenstein face takes two minutes with olives and cheese — maximum effect, minimum effort.
Ingredients for Frankenstein Pasta
- 2 lbs potato gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, plus more to serve
- 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Black olives, sliced (bolts)
- Small mozzarella pearls (eyes, optional)
How to Make Frankenstein Pasta Step by Step
- Blitz the basil, spinach, Parmesan, nuts, and garlic in a food processor.
- Stream in the olive oil until smooth; season with salt and pepper.
- Boil the gnocchi until they float, about 2-3 minutes; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Toss the gnocchi with the pesto, loosening with pasta water to a glossy 'slime.'
- Serve in bowls, shower with Parmesan, and add olive-slice 'bolts' on the sides like Frankenstein's neck.
💡 Tips for the Best Frankenstein Pasta
Blanch the basil 10 seconds and shock in ice water before blending for the brightest green that doesn't brown. Toast the nuts for deeper flavor. If the pesto is too thick, pasta water is liquid gold — add it gradually.
Halloween Party Serving Ideas
Serve with a simple tomato-mozzarella salad — the red-green contrast is very Halloween.
Love this recipe?
Save it to your Halloween board so it's there when spooky season hits.
📌 Pin it for laterFrequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought pesto and add spinach?
Yes — blend a cup of baby spinach into store-bought pesto for the green boost without starting from scratch.
How do I keep the pesto bright green?
Blanch the basil, and don't overheat the pesto — toss it with the hot gnocchi off the heat.
Can I make it nut-free?
Swap the pine nuts for sunflower seeds or extra Parmesan.
Does it work with regular pasta?
Absolutely — short shapes like fusilli or farfalle hold the pesto beautifully.