Spooky Halloween Dinner: Ghoulish Gnocchi & "Blood" Sauce (Print Version)
Spooky Halloween Dinner for adults! My ghoulish gnocchi with rich "blood" sauce recipe is perfect for a cozy, eerie night. Easy, comforting & so fun!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 45 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Italian
Dietary: Vegetarian Option Available
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
16 oz (500g) package store-bought potato gnocchi
02 -
28 oz (794g) can crushed tomatoes
03 -
14.5 oz (411g) can diced tomatoes
04 -
1 cup vegetable broth
05 -
2 tbsp olive oil
→ Flavor Boosters
06 -
4-5 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
08 -
2 tbsp tomato paste
09 -
1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
10 -
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
11 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
12 -
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or to taste)
→ Seasonings & Spices
13 -
Salt, to taste
14 -
Black pepper, to taste
15 -
1/2 tsp dried oregano
16 -
1/2 tsp dried thyme
→ Finishing Touches
17 -
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
18 -
A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, for serving
# Instructions:
01 -
Grab your biggest skillet or a Dutch oven, hon, and get it warm over medium heat. Pour in your olive oil. Once it's shimmering, toss in that finely diced onion. Let it cook down, stirring occasionally, until it's soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. You'll start to smell that sweet, savory aroma filling your kitchen – that's the good stuff! This is where the flavor building really begins. Don't rush this step; patience here pays off. I remember once trying to speed it up, and the onions were still a bit crunchy, which wasn't the vibe I was going for.
02 -
Now, add your minced garlic and tomato paste to the pan. Stir it constantly for about 1-2 minutes until the tomato paste darkens slightly and smells almost caramelized. This step is key for deepening the flavor; it really brings out the sweetness of the tomato. Be careful not to burn the garlic – it can go from fragrant to bitter in a flash, and honestly, I've done that more times than I care to admit! If you're using red wine, pour it in now and let it simmer, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan, until it's mostly reduced, about 3-4 minutes. The smell alone is intoxicating.
03 -
Pour in your crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Add the dried oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, a good pinch of salt, and some fresh black pepper. Give it all a good stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 30 minutes. Honestly, the longer it simmers, the better it gets. I usually let mine go for an hour, sometimes even an hour and a half, stirring occasionally. This is when your kitchen will start smelling absolutely divine, totally setting the mood for a Spooky Halloween Dinner!
04 -
While your incredible 'blood' sauce is doing its thing, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Don't forget the salt; it seasons the gnocchi from the inside out! Carefully add your store-bought gnocchi to the boiling water. They cook super fast, usually floating to the surface in just 2-3 minutes. This is where I always get a little nervous, remembering my overcooked gnocchi incident! Use a slotted spoon to scoop them out as they float; you want them tender but not mushy. Don't overcrowd the pot; cook them in batches if needed.
05 -
Once the gnocchi are cooked, you have a couple of options. You can either drain them and then add them directly into your simmering 'blood' sauce, tossing gently to coat. Or, serve the gnocchi in individual bowls and ladle the sauce over the top. I usually toss them in the sauce because, let's be real, who wants extra dishes? This ensures every little gnocchi pillow is perfectly coated in that rich, spooky red goodness. Give it a taste and adjust any seasonings if needed – maybe a little more salt, maybe a tiny extra pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit more bite.
06 -
Just before serving, stir in the fresh chopped basil and parsley. The vibrant green against the deep red sauce looks amazing, and the fresh herbs really brighten everything up. Ladle generous portions into bowls. Finish with a generous sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan cheese – because cheese makes everything better, right? And maybe, just maybe, a tiny drizzle of your best extra virgin olive oil over the top for that final touch of luxury. Get ready to enjoy your delicious and perfectly Spooky Halloween Dinner!