Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs for a Spooky Dinner

Make a spooky yet delicious Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs for your next Halloween gathering.

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Course: Main Dishes

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Bloody Spaghetti, Family Gatherings, Fun Recipes, Halloween Recipes, Mozzarella Eyeballs, Spooky Dinner

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 35

Servings: portions

Calories: 400kcal

Equipment

Large pot
medium saucepan
colander

Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz spaghetti noodles Use whole wheat or gluten-free options for a nutritious twist!

For the Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil This adds richness; avocado oil is a great substitute!
3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with wonderful flavor.
1 small onion, finely chopped A touch of sweetness balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
15 oz can crushed tomatoes Look for fire-roasted varieties for added smoky depth.
3 tablespoons tomato paste This thickens the sauce and intensifies the tomato flavor.
1 teaspoon sugar A pinch helps to cut the acidity from the tomatoes.
1 teaspoon dried oregano It adds that classic Italian herbaceous flavor.
1 teaspoon dried basil Fresh basil can be used for an even more vibrant taste.
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste) Season gradually to prevent over-salting.
¼ teaspoon black pepper Adjust based on your spice preference.
½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional) Perfect for those who like a bit of heat!

For the Eyeballs

12 small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine) These create the spooky eyeball effect!
6 pieces black olives (pitted and sliced in half) They add that eerie pupil look.
balsamic glaze A few drops or food-safe black food coloring (optional) for a more dramatic eyeball finish!

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
Add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to the saucepan. Stir in sugar, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes if desired. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to thicken.
While the sauce simmers, gently press half a black olive into the center of each mozzarella ball. For an eerie touch, add a small dot of balsamic glaze or food-safe black food coloring to resemble the pupil.
Once the sauce has thickened, add the drained spaghetti to the saucepan and toss to coat the pasta well in the sauce.
Transfer the spaghetti to a serving platter or individual plates, placing the mozzarella eyeballs on top, slightly nestling them into the noodles for a creepy presentation.

Notes

For a complete meal, consider pairing with a crisp salad or garlic bread. Prepare the sauce ahead of time and reheat before serving for added convenience.

Nutrition