Description
Looking for a creepy but crowd-pleasing Halloween dinner idea? This Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs is just the thing! It’s spooky, savory, and seriously delicious — with classic spaghetti tossed in a garlicky tomato sauce, topped with eerie mozzarella “eyeballs” that stare right back at you. Whether you’re throwing a Halloween bash or just want a fun twist on a weeknight dinner, this easy recipe is packed with flavor and visual drama. Perfect as a quick dinner, a Halloween party centerpiece, or even a fun kid-friendly meal, it’ll haunt their taste buds in the best way possible. A fantastic choice if you’re hunting for dinner ideas, fun food ideas, or spooky recipes that are both clever and comforting.
Ingredients
12 oz spaghetti
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
28 oz crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
0.25 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
12 mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
6 large black olives, sliced into rings
Pinch of paprika or chili powder (optional, for veins)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. While pasta cooks, make the “eyeballs” by placing an olive slice on each mozzarella ball. Lightly press to stick. Dust with paprika or chili powder if desired. Set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Sauté the chopped onion for 3–4 minutes until soft, then add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to intensify the flavor.
5. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the sauce. Mix gently until evenly coated. Add pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.
7. Plate the spaghetti and carefully nestle the mozzarella eyeballs into the noodles, making sure the “pupils” face up.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm for the full spooky effect!
Notes
Pat mozzarella balls and olives dry before assembling so they stick together better.
Add cooked meat or plant-based crumbles if you want a protein boost.
To make ahead, prepare sauce and pasta separately, and assemble “eyeballs” right before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Halloween, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Halloween pasta, spooky recipe, bloody spaghetti, kid-friendly Halloween dinner, mozzarella eyeballs