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Halloween Spooky Pasta

This playful Halloween pasta features long spaghetti coated in rich tomato sauce, topped with creepy eye decorations made from olives or cheese. The dish is quick to prepare, with sautéed aromatics and simple toppings creating a fun, festive meal that’s perfect for last-minute parties or cozy nights in. Its vibrant colors and whimsical presentation make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz spaghetti or long pasta uncooked
  • 1 cup tomato sauce rich and smoky
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables or protein (optional) e.g., bell peppers, mushrooms, cooked chicken
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 12 small black olives or cheese rounds for creepy eyes
  • fresh herbs basil or parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Small cookie cutters or knife
  • Slotted spoon

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the spaghetti. Cook until al dente, about 8 minutes, until it’s just firm to the bite and fragrant.
  2. Drain the pasta using a slotted spoon, reserving a cup of pasta water to loosen the sauce later. Set the pasta aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and diced onion until they turn fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes, filling your kitchen with a warm aroma.
  4. Add your choice of chopped vegetables or cooked protein to the skillet. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Pour in the tomato sauce and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Stir to combine, then let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  6. While the sauce simmers, cut small rounds from cheese or olives to create spooky eyes. Use a small cookie cutter or a knife to shape them neatly.
  7. Once the sauce is ready, toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring it’s well coated. Mix gently to combine all flavors.
  8. Arrange the eye shapes on top of the pasta, pressing gently to attach if necessary. Place a few on each serving to create the spooky effect.
  9. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Notes

For extra fun, add other spooky decorations like tiny cheese bats or spiderwebs using shredded cheese or sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste and feel free to swap ingredients to suit your spooky theme.