Spooky Spaghetti Eyeballs
Spooky Spaghetti Eyeballs are a playful, no-oven pasta treat that transforms simple spaghetti into a ghoulish Halloween showstopper with creamy mozzarella eyeballs—fun, healthy, and ready in under an hour!
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole-wheat spaghetti (Barilla or your favorite brand)
- 2 cups jarred marinara sauce (choose a low-sodium variety)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil (extra virgin for flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh gives best aroma)
- 1 cup small mozzarella pearls ("bocconcini")
- 1/2 cup black olive slices (for pupils; drain well)
- Fresh basil leaves, torn (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Add spaghetti and cook until al dente—about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Pour in marinara sauce, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer gently. Stir every couple of minutes. Add water if needed to adjust consistency.
- Drain spaghetti and return it to the pot. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat each strand.
- Using tongs, twist portions of spaghetti into eight nest-like mounds on a serving platter or rimmed baking sheet. Work quickly so the nests hold their shape.
- Place one mozzarella pearl on top of each spaghetti mound. Add an olive slice onto each mozzarella pearl to create the pupil. Garnish with torn basil leaves and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Refrigerate leftover spaghetti eyeballs in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 350kcal
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