Go Back

Spooky Halloween Pasta

This playful Halloween pasta features a colorful tomato sauce coated over your favorite pasta shape, topped with gooey melted cheese and spooky toppings like olives or peppers. The dish combines simple simmered sauce with tender pasta, resulting in a fun, conversation-starting meal perfect for last-minute Halloween celebrations.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
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 ounces pasta any shape, preferably playful or spooky
  • 1 cup tomato sauce rich and flavorful
  • 3 cloves garlic crushed or minced
  • 1 cup shredded cheese mozzarella or smoky cheddar
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly cracked
  • 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
  • Optional toppings olives, peppers, edible eyes

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Strainer
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your pasta and cook until just al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
  2. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, then add crushed garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. You should smell a rich aroma as the garlic sizzles.
  3. Pour in the tomato sauce, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, and stir to combine. Let it simmer gently until warmed through, about 3 minutes, watching for a gentle bubbling and a rich, vibrant color.
  4. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing with a wooden spoon until evenly coated. The sauce should cling nicely, creating a glossy, spooky coating over each piece of pasta.
  5. Transfer the pasta onto plates, then spoon extra sauce onto the surface to create ghostly shapes or spooky designs. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese and finish with a pinch of black pepper.
  6. Garnish with optional toppings like olives or peppers to add creepy eyes or spooky accents. Serve immediately while steaming hot and enjoy the fun, flavorful meal.

Notes

Use playful pasta shapes and creative toppings to enhance the spooky effect. Perfect for quick, festive dinners that impress.