Creepy Crawly Pasta
Spooky fun meets weeknight comfort with this Creepy Crawly Pasta! Topped with olive 'spiders' and mozzarella 'eyes,' it's a Halloween favorite the whole family will love—done in under 30 minutes!
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
Use black bean or squid ink pasta for extra creep factor. Don’t overcook gluten-free noodles. Lightly toss in sauce so the toppings stay visible. For dairy-free, swap mozzarella for a vegan alternative.
Nutrition
Calories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 14gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 480mgPotassium: 530mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!