Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Halloween spaghetti recipe - featured image

Halloween Spaghetti Recipe: Easy Spooky Dinner for Kids Parties

  • Author: Yanna Adams
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Halloween Spaghetti features black noodles, mozzarella ‘eyeballs’, and a rich tomato sauce for a spooky, fun, and nourishing dinner perfect for kids’ parties or festive family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz black spaghetti noodles (squid ink pasta, or regular spaghetti dyed with black food coloring)
  • Salt, for boiling water
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 16 mini mozzarella balls (ciliegine)
  • 8 pitted black olives, sliced into rounds
  • 1 tbsp ketchup or sriracha (for ‘veins’, optional)
  • Chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)
  • Grated parmesan cheese (optional garnish)
  • Extra black olives, sliced (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 tsp salt per quart/liter of water.
  2. If using regular spaghetti, add 1/2 tsp black gel food coloring to the water before noodles go in. Stir well.
  3. Add spaghetti and cook according to package directions, about 8-10 minutes for al dente. Stir occasionally.
  4. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain noodles in a colander. Toss noodles with tongs if coloring looks uneven.
  5. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  6. Add chopped onion; sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  7. Add minced garlic; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  8. Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Mix well.
  9. Add sugar, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  10. Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.
  11. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  12. Slice black olives into rounds for ‘pupils’.
  13. Press one olive round onto each mozzarella ball. Optionally, use a toothpick dipped in ketchup or sriracha to draw ‘veins’ on the cheese.
  14. Twirl black spaghetti onto a serving platter or deep bowl.
  15. Spoon tomato sauce generously over the top. Swirl some sauce through noodles for a ‘bloody’ effect.
  16. Arrange mozzarella ‘eyeballs’ on top. Scatter extra olive slices and sprinkle with parsley and parmesan if desired.
  17. Serve immediately while hot. For parties, keep sauce warm in a slow cooker and let guests build their own bowls.
  18. Store leftovers: spaghetti and sauce separately in airtight containers; ‘eyeballs’ in a covered bowl.

Notes

Squid ink pasta gives the best color, but black food coloring works well. For gluten-free, use rice or corn-based spaghetti. Vegan mozzarella balls can be substituted for dairy-free diets. Add extra veggies or protein to the sauce as desired. Let kids decorate ‘eyeballs’ for extra fun. Save pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. For extra drama, serve under dim lights with Halloween decorations.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 1.5 cups spaghetti with sauce and 4 'eyeballs')
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 8
  • Sodium: 800
  • Fat: 8
  • Saturated Fat: 4
  • Carbohydrates: 65
  • Fiber: 5
  • Protein: 15

Keywords: Halloween, spaghetti, kids party, spooky dinner, black pasta, mozzarella eyeballs, festive, easy, tomato sauce, family meal

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://theyumrecipes.com/halloween-spaghetti-recipe-easy-spooky-dinner-for-kids-parties/