Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs

There’s something endearingly nostalgic about twirling spaghetti into that rich, red sauce—memories of family dinners, laughter, and cozy chatter filling the kitchen. This Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs is a whimsically spooky yet comforting dish perfect for Halloween—or any evening when you want a playful twist on a classic. It uses simple pantry staples, easy instructions, and finishes with mozzarella “eyeballs” that will delight kids and grown-ups alike. Let’s make dinner feel like a warm embrace—fun, tasty, and totally beginner-friendly.

Recipe Info

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 8 oz (about 225 g) spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (about ½ cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• ½ tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• ½ tsp dried basil (or 1 tbsp fresh, chopped)
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 4 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained
• 1 olive slice or raisin per mozzarella ball (for iris/pupil)
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Cook the spaghetti
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Start the sauce
   While pasta cooks, warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent—about 3–4 minutes.
3. Add garlic
   Stir in minced garlic and cook for just about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Don’t let it brown.
4. Tomato magic
   Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, sugar (if using), basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Simmer
   Lower heat and simmer for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally—until the sauce thickens slightly and deepens in flavor. If too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
6. Toss the spaghetti
   Add drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Stir for 1–2 minutes so flavors meld, adding a touch more pasta water if needed to loosen.
7. Create mozzarella eyeballs
   Gently pat each mozzarella ball dry. Press an olive slice or raisin into each as the “pupil.”
8. Plate and assemble
   Divide spaghetti among plates or bowls. Nestle 1–2 mozzarella eyeballs on top of each serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.

Helpful Notes & Tips

• On simmer time: Let the sauce simmer just long enough to deepen its flavor—about 8–10 minutes is perfect for rich taste without fuss.
• Pasta water magic: That starchy water is your secret weapon—use it sparingly to adjust sauce consistency.
• Salt & spice control: Taste the sauce before tossing pasta. Adjust salt and lightly add red pepper flakes if you’d like a little kick (kids—watch the heat!).
• Storage: Store sauce and pasta separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of water to refresh.

Recipe Variations

1. Protein twist
   Stir in cooked Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even cooked shredded chicken to make it heartier.
2. Heat it up
   Add red pepper flakes (¼–½ tsp) while sautéing the garlic for a mild spicy tang.
3. Lighter dairy option
   Swap fresh mozzarella balls for small cubes of low-fat mozzarella or even mini dairy-free “cheese” balls for a lighter version.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with garlic bread or rustic Italian bread—perfect for sopping up that rich sauce.
• A side of simple green salad (think crisp romaine, cherry tomatoes, a squeeze of lemon, and olive oil) brings freshness.
• For a fun touch, serve with steamed broccoli florets that look like little monsters beside the “eyeball” pasta.

Conclusion

Pull up a chair, grab a fork, and let the warmth of this spooky-cute dinner bring smiles and memories to your table. Whether you’re cooking it with little helpers or enjoying a cozy evening solo or in good company, this Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs is sure to feel like a hug on a plate—playful, comforting, and full of love. Buon appetito and enjoy every eerie, delicious bite!