As the leaves crunch underfoot and the crisp scent of fall fills the air, there’s something deeply comforting about gathering around the table with a warm, whimsical dish. This Creepy Crawly Pasta has quickly become a reader favorite, especially around Halloween. It’s not just festive it’s incredibly fun to make and even more fun to eat! Think tender gluten-free noodles tangled with olive “spiders,” mozzarella “eyes,” and a vibrant, rich tomato sauce that bubbles like a witch’s brew. Kids love it. Adults ask for seconds. And best of all? You can whip it up in under 30 minutes.
Whether you’re planning a Halloween party or just want to bring some autumn magic to your weeknight meals, this dish delivers playful presentation without sacrificing flavor.
Creepy Crawly Pasta
Equipment
- large pot
- colander
- skillet
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
Ingredients
- 12 oz gluten-free spaghetti (black bean or squid ink for spooky effect)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for pasta)
- Salt (for pasta water)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sauce)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 15 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Black olives, whole and sliced (for spider bodies and legs)
- Mini mozzarella balls or sliced provolone (for eyes)
- Black sesame seeds or capers (for pupils)
- Fresh basil (optional, for greenery)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gluten-free spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and toss with olive oil. Set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté garlic and onion until soft and fragrant. Stir in tomato paste, then crushed tomatoes and oregano. Simmer 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Slice olives in half for spider bodies and cut thin strips for legs. Press black sesame seeds or capers into mozzarella balls for “eyeballs.”
- Toss cooked pasta lightly in tomato sauce. Plate in a swirling “nest.” Top with olive spiders and mozzarella eyes. Garnish with basil if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Ingredients for Creepy Crawly Pasta
To keep things simple and beginner-friendly, here’s what you’ll need:
Pasta Base
- 12 oz gluten-free spaghetti (black bean spaghetti or squid ink pasta for extra spookiness)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, for the pasta water
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings (the creepy crawlers!)
- Black olives, whole and sliced (for spider bodies and legs)
- Mini mozzarella balls or sliced provolone (for “eyes”)
- Black sesame seeds or capers (for pupils)
- Fresh basil (optional, for “creepy” greenery)
You can find similar fall-friendly comfort meals like Easy Gluten-Free Pesto Pasta and Simple Beef and Broccoli for weeknight inspiration too.
Step by Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gluten-free spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions. Drain, toss with olive oil, and set aside. - Make the Sauce
In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add garlic and onions, and cook until soft and fragrant. Stir in tomato paste, then add crushed tomatoes and oregano. Simmer for 10 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper. - Prepare the Creepy Crawlies
While the sauce simmers, slice some olives in half lengthwise for spider bodies. Cut others into thin strips for legs. Press black sesame seeds or capers into mozzarella balls to create little “eyeballs.” - Assemble the Pasta
Toss the pasta with your spooky sauce. Plate it in a swirling “nest.” Add your olive spiders crawling on top, and place mozzarella “eyes” peeking out.
This meal pairs well with fun recipes like Gluten-Free Garlic Butter Shrimp or Gluten-Free Chicken Stir Fry for a full themed dinner.
Tips for a Spooky Success
- Use Black Pasta: If available, black bean or squid ink pasta amps up the visual effect perfect for Halloween.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Gluten-free noodles can go mushy fast. Taste-test early and drain as soon as they’re al dente.
- Go Light on the Sauce: You want your creepy toppings to shine! Toss pasta lightly in sauce, then spoon a little extra on top.
If you’re a fan of seasonal recipes, you’ll also love Gluten-Free Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats as a festive fall breakfast option.
Fun Variations
Want to make this dish your own? Here are a few ideas:
Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free
Use dairy-free mozzarella-style balls and double-check that your pasta is certified gluten-free (like rice or corn pasta). You can always substitute with zucchini noodles like in this Zucchini Noodles Low-Calorie Recipe.
Spicy Vampire Version
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the tomato sauce for some vampire heat.
Add a Streusel Topping… Just Kidding!
But you can crumble crunchy gluten-free crackers or fried onions on top for texture if you want a creative twist.
Pair this pasta with Gluten-Free Shortbread Cookies or No-Fail Gluten-Free Brownies for a sweet finish to your spooky night.
Storage and Make Ahead Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the sauce (without the pasta or toppings) for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.
For more meal-prep-friendly ideas, check out Make-Ahead Overnight Oats with Berries or Easy Chicken and Veggie Lunch Boxes.
Final Thoughts
This Creepy Crawly Pasta is more than just a recipe it’s an experience. With just a little creativity and your favorite fall ingredients, you can serve up a dinner that’s as festive as it is flavorful. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween dinner or just bringing the fun to your kitchen, this is a dish that delivers joy in every spooky bite.