Squiggle Pasta

Squiggle pasta is a fun and delicious pasta dish made using curly-shaped noodles that look like squiggles. It’s a hit with kids and adults alike because of its playful shape and creamy, comforting flavor. Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or a fun family meal, squiggle pasta is a tasty twist on your regular pasta night.

History of Squiggle Pasta:

Squiggle pasta isn’t a traditional Italian name, but it refers to curly, twisted pasta types like cavatappi, rotini, or fusilli. These fun shapes hold sauces really well, making every bite flavorful.

Over the years, creative home cooks in the U.S. began calling their creamy, curly pasta dishes “squiggle pasta,” especially when making it for children. It’s now a fun, family-favorite recipe known for its creamy texture and bold taste.

Ingredients for Squiggle Pasta

Great pasta starts with great ingredients. This squiggle pasta recipe uses simple, everyday items that come together to create a creamy, flavorful dish. Each ingredient plays an important role—adding taste, texture, or that little extra something to make your meal special. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and why it matters.

• 8 oz Squiggle-Shaped Pasta (like cavatappi, rotini, or fusilli): These curly noodles are the star of this dish. Their twisty shape holds onto the sauce perfectly, making each bite full of flavor. You can find these in most grocery stores.
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil: This is used to sauté the garlic and onions. Olive oil adds a smooth texture and slight fruity flavor to the dish. You can substitute it with vegetable oil if needed.
• 3 Cloves Garlic (minced): Garlic gives a strong, delicious base flavor. Mince it finely so it spreads evenly throughout the sauce.
• 1 Small Onion (finely chopped): Onions add a slightly sweet and savory depth. Cook them until soft and golden to bring out their full flavor.
• 1 Can (15 oz) Crushed Tomatoes: This is the base of the sauce. Crushed tomatoes give the dish a rich, slightly chunky texture. They have a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
• ½ Cup Heavy Cream: This gives the pasta its creamy, smooth texture. It balances the acidity of the tomatoes and adds richness. You can substitute it with half-and-half or plant-based cream (like oat or cashew cream) for a lighter version.
• 1 Teaspoon Dried Basil: Basil adds a fresh, herby flavor. Dried basil works well in sauces and is easy to keep in your pantry.
• Salt and Pepper to Taste: These basics bring out all the other flavors. Add a pinch at a time and taste as you go.
• ¼ Teaspoon Red Chili Flakes (Optional): These add a little heat and spice to the dish. You can skip them if you prefer a milder taste.
• ½ Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce. Freshly grated cheese melts better, but store-bought works fine too.
• Fresh Parsley (Optional, for garnish): Chopped parsley gives the dish a pop of green color and a fresh finish. It’s totally optional but makes the dish look and taste brighter.

Directions:

Step 1: Boil the Squiggle Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the squiggle-shaped pasta and cook according to the instructions on the package, usually about 8 to 10 minutes, until it is al dente (tender but still slightly firm). Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. You can save about ½ cup of the pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Onion

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until the onion becomes soft and slightly golden and the garlic releases its aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

Step 3: Add Crushed Tomatoes and Seasoning

Pour the crushed tomatoes into the pan with the garlic and onion. Stir well and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add dried basil, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes (if using). Let it simmer for 5 to 6 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the sauce to slightly thicken.

Step 4: Stir in the Heavy Cream

Turn the heat down to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. This will turn your tomato sauce into a creamy, rich mixture. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring gently so the sauce stays smooth and doesn’t boil. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheese

Add the cooked squiggle pasta into the sauce and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts completely into the sauce, giving it a cheesy, creamy finish.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat. Spoon the pasta into bowls or onto plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, comforting squiggle pasta with garlic bread or a side salad.

Serving Suggestions

Enhance your squiggle pasta meal with these simple, tasty side options and add-ons. These ideas balance the rich, creamy flavor of the pasta and help turn it into a complete and satisfying meal.

• Garlic Bread: Serve warm slices of garlic bread on the side. The crispy texture and buttery garlic flavor perfectly complement the soft, creamy pasta. It’s great for scooping up leftover sauce too!
• Fresh Green Salad: A light salad made with lettuce, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette adds freshness to your plate. It balances the richness of the pasta and makes your meal feel lighter.
• Extra Grated Cheese: Place a small bowl of grated Parmesan or mozzarella on the table so everyone can sprinkle more cheese over their pasta if they like. It adds a little extra flavor and fun.
• Kid-Friendly Sides: If you’re serving kids, consider adding steamed veggies like carrots or broccoli, or a handful of cut-up fruit. It makes the meal more colorful and adds a healthy touch.