Halloween Spaghetti

Name: Halloween Spaghetti
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter; 1 medium red onion; 2 garlic cloves; 1 tsp dried basil; 400 grams canned cherry tomatoes; 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze; sea salt (to taste); pepper (to taste); 500 grams spaghetti; 10 bocconcini (halved); 10 black olives; fresh basil leaves (to garnish)

This eyeball pasta with tomato sauce is the perfect spooky dinner.

By Sine

Published Sep 04, 2026

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Get friends and family together for an unforgettable spooky feast with this delicious Halloween Spaghetti. Made with only simple ingredients, the pasta is topped with a homemade tomato sauce and mini mozzarella eyeballs.

A plate of spaghetti nests topped with mozzarella balls, sliced olives, and basil leaves, arranged to look like eyeballs. Plastic spiders and a striped napkin are nearby.

The best part about this recipe is that it comes together quickly, and it’s an easy way to make mealtime extra thrilling! In fact, you can enjoy this dish any time of the year, just skip the eyes and top with lots of grated Parmesan.

A plate of spaghetti nests topped with mozzarella balls, black olive slices, and basil leaves, arranged to look like eyeballs.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Halloween Spaghetti Recipe

It’s fun for kids.
Easy to prep in advance.
Impressive and delicious.
Serves a crowd!

Halloween Spaghetti Ingredients

Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete details!

Pasta: Spaghetti works best for the nested effect.
Pasta sauce: You’ll need butter, red onion, garlic, spices, a can of cherry tomatoes, balsamic glaze, sea salt, and pepper. Blend it all together at the end, for a creamier texture or keep it rustic.
Mini mozzarella balls: For the eyes (also called bocconcini).
Black olives: For the pupils.
Fresh basil: To garnish.

How to Make Halloween Spaghetti

Prepare the sauce: Heat the butter in a saucepan on medium heat. Sauté the onion, add garlic, oregano, and basil. Pour in the canned tomatoes and balsamic glaze. Let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes on medium heat. Season well. Mix it until creamy in a blender or use an immersion blender.
Cook the pasta and mix with the tomato sauce.
Arrange the nest-shaped pasta on to a serving platter.
Top with mozzarella and black olive eyes. Garnish with fresh basil.

Chopped red onion sautéing in butter in a medium saucepan.

Recipe Tip

Add a mozzarella highlight on top of the pupils for a realistic effect. I use a metal straw for this.

Possible Variations

Pasta: Use any type of pasta you prefer. A Halloween pasta shape would be especially fun.
Tomato sauce: Swap for sundried tomato pesto, basil pesto, Alfredo, Parmesan and butter, or make a cheese sauce.
Black olives: Try green olives filled with red pepper or Kalamata.
Fresh basil: Or parsley.
Toppings: Top the eyes onto meatballs or cooked bacon for added protein. Add grated Parmesan, grated cheddar, chili oil, or toasted breadcrumbs.

Best served with

Garlic bread.
Focaccia.
Corn on the cob.
Roasted veggies.
Crudités.

How to Store Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy within 2 days.

FAQs

Can I freeze the dish?

You can freeze the tomato sauce and store it for three months.

Can I make the dish in advance?

You can prepare the tomato sauce 2 days in advance. Let the sauce cool and store it in the fridge. Heat it up 30 minutes before you want to serve it, cook the pasta, and then mix everything together. Or prepare the pasta and sauce earlier in the day, so all you have to do is reheat and plate when dinnertime comes around.

Can I freeze the sauce?

Yes. Cool it, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months.

How do I thaw frozen tomato sauce?

Transfer the frozen sauce to the fridge overnight or leave it at room temperature for a few hours. You can also place it directly into a saucepan on low heat with a splash of water.