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Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs


  • Author: Mia McKenny
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A spooky showstopper perfect for Halloween, this Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs balances visual fun with real Italian flavor. With a rich tomato sauce, perfectly shaped mozzarella “eyeballs,” and fork-twirled pasta nests, it’s a dish that delights kids and adults alike.


Ingredients

1 pound spaghetti

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon anchovy paste

1 can (28 ounces) crushed San Marzano tomatoes

Salt, to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 pound ciliegine mozzarella balls

12 slices black olives

1 tablespoon balsamic glaze

2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)


Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti for about 9 minutes until just past al dente.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.

3. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Stir in tomato paste and anchovy paste. Cook another 2 minutes to deepen flavor.

5. Pour in crushed tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes until thick.

6. Drain pasta and toss directly into the sauce. Let it cook another 2–3 minutes to absorb flavor and turn bloody red.

7. Using tongs, twist pasta into loose nests inside a cast iron skillet or serving dish.

8. Press an olive slice into each mozzarella ball, add a drop of balsamic glaze for the pupil.

9. Nest each mozzarella eyeball into a pasta swirl.

10. Garnish with parsley and serve warm, or hold in a warm oven until ready.

Notes

Use ciliegine mozzarella for realistic eyeballs that won’t melt.

Don’t skip the balsamic glaze—it adds a subtle flavor and shine.

Add eyeballs just before serving to keep their shape.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Halloween/Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
  • Calories: 510
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 760mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 65g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Halloween pasta, spooky dinner, eyeball spaghetti