Haunted Pumpkin Pasta with Creepy Pesto:

Ingredients:

For the Pumpkin Pasta:

• 1 lb pumpkin or butternut squash, peeled and diced
• 1 lb pasta of your choice (such as fettuccine or penne)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

For the Creepy Pesto:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnish:

• Black olives, sliced
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Mozzarella balls

Instructions:

1. Pumpkin Pasta: a. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. b. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. c. Add the diced pumpkin or butternut squash to the skillet and cook until it starts to soften. d. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, cover the skillet, and let it simmer until the pumpkin is tender. e. Use a potato masher or fork to mash the pumpkin into a smooth puree. f. Stir in the heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. g. Toss the cooked pasta into the pumpkin sauce until well coated.

2. Creepy Pesto: a. In a food processor, combine basil, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan, and garlic. b. Pulse the ingredients while slowly streaming in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. c. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Serving: a. Plate the haunted pumpkin pasta and drizzle each serving with creepy pesto. b. Garnish with black olive slices, halved cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls for a spooky touch. c. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

Enjoy your Haunted Pumpkin Pasta with Creepy Pesto for a delightfully eerie Halloween dinner!