How do you make eyeball pasta?

Eyeball pasta is made by topping cooked spaghetti with meatballs that are decorated with halved mozzarella balls and sliced black olives to resemble eyeballs. Bake the meatballs first, then add the cheese and olives near the end to melt slightly and hold their shape.

What is the Italian name for pasta with meatballs?

In Italian, pasta with meatballs is commonly called spaghetti con polpette . However, traditional Italian meatballs are often served separately, so the American-style dish is more of an Italian-American creation.

What is the funny name for meatballs on Halloween?

A fun Halloween name for meatballs is “eyeball meatballs” or “monster eyes.” These spooky names are perfect for themed meals and party menus featuring Halloween Pasta with Meatball Eyeballs.

How do you make black spaghetti for Halloween?

You can buy black squid ink spaghetti or dye regular pasta using black food coloring. Simply add the coloring to the boiling water before cooking the spaghetti for a spooky Halloween effect.

How do you make fake eyeballs in a jar?

Fake eyeballs can be made with peeled grapes or lychees stuffed with blueberries or olives. Place them in a glass jar with fruit punch or gelatin for a gory Halloween decoration.

How can you eyeball a serving of pasta?

To “eyeball” a pasta serving, imagine a portion the size of a baseball for cooked pasta or a quarter’s diameter of dry spaghetti. But for this dish, it’s all about building dramatic pasta nests for your eyeballs to rest on!

Halloween Pasta with Meatball Eyeballs: Scary Good Dinner Idea

Name: Halloween Pasta with Meatball Eyeballs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (85% lean); 1 lb ground pork (or use all beef/pork if preferred); 45 grams plain panko breadcrumbs; 4 oz milk (or substitute heavy cream); 1 tbsp kosher salt (reduce to 2 tsp if using seasoned breadcrumbs); 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp coarse ground black pepper; 2 large eggs, whisked; 1 medium yellow onion, finely minced; 8 cloves garlic, minced; 2 oz parmesan cheese, freshly grated; 12 ciliegine mozzarella balls, halved (for eyeballs); 24 black olive slices (for pupils); 1 lb spaghetti (cooked in salted water); 2 cups reserved pasta water; 28 oz marinara sauce; 1 parmesan rind (optional, for extra flavor); A handful of fresh basil (optional); Grated parmesan, fresh parsley, extra basil for garnish

Description

Halloween Pasta with Meatball Eyeballs is a creepy, fun, and flavorful dish perfect for spooky dinners, Halloween parties, and themed meals. Juicy meatballs become “eyeballs” with melted mozzarella and olive slices, served over rich marinara and spooky spaghetti nests.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatball Eyeballs:

1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
1 lb ground pork (or use all beef/pork if preferred)
45 grams plain panko breadcrumbs
4 oz milk (or substitute heavy cream)
1 tbsp kosher salt (reduce to 2 tsp if using seasoned breadcrumbs)
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp coarse ground black pepper
2 large eggs, whisked
1 medium yellow onion, finely minced
8 cloves garlic, minced
2 oz parmesan cheese, freshly grated
12 ciliegine mozzarella balls, halved (for eyeballs)
24 black olive slices (for pupils)

For the Spooky Spaghetti:

1 lb spaghetti (cooked in salted water)
2 cups reserved pasta water
28 oz marinara sauce
1 parmesan rind (optional, for extra flavor)
A handful of fresh basil (optional)
Grated parmesan, fresh parsley, extra basil for garnish

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Instructions

Make the Meatballs:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
In a large mixing bowl, combine all meatball ingredients except mozzarella and olives.
Optional: Chill mixture for 15–30 minutes for easier rolling.
Use a medium cookie scoop or hands to form 24 evenly sized meatballs.
Place meatballs on the baking sheet with space between them.
Bake for 16 minutes or until internal temp reaches 160°F (71°C).
Remove from oven, top each meatball with a mozzarella half.
Return to oven and bake 3–4 minutes, just until the cheese softens.
Press a black olive slice into the center of each cheese half to form eyeballs.

Make the Sauce and Pasta:

In a large pot or Dutch oven, add marinara sauce and 1 cup pasta water.
Add basil leaves and a parmesan rind, simmer for 10 minutes.
Stir occasionally until basil wilts and rind infuses flavor. Remove and discard rind.
Add cooked spaghetti and remaining pasta water to the pot. Toss to coat.

Assemble:

Twirl spaghetti into nest shapes on plates or a platter.
Spoon marinara sauce over pasta nests.
Top each nest with 2–3 eyeball meatballs.
Garnish with grated parmesan, chopped parsley, and fresh basil.
Serve warm and enjoy your creepy Halloween feast!

Notes

Meatballs can be made ahead and stored in the fridge (1 day) or freezer (1 month).
For extra spooky effect, use black spaghetti or add a drop of black food coloring to boiling water.
Use turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Vegetarian? Try plant-based ground and vegan cheese alternatives.
Pair with Halloween sides like ghost chips, witch fingers, or spooky punch.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course, Pasta
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: Per Serving - Approximate
Calories: 483 kcal
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 1653mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 134mg