This fun Eyeball Pasta Bake is both spooky and tasty! Made with your favorite pasta, hearty marinara sauce, and cheese, it looks cool and delicious on your dinner table.
Don’t worry, no real eyeballs involved! 😄 I love serving this dish at Halloween parties—the kids go crazy for it, and so do the grown-ups! Perfect for a family night in!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I like using rotini because its twists hold onto the sauce well. If rotini isn’t available, feel free to use penne, fusilli, or any short pasta you prefer—just make sure it cooks evenly!
Marinara Sauce: A good marinara sauce gives great flavor. You can use store-bought or homemade. If you’re low on time, jarred sauce works just fine! For a spicier kick, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes.
Cheese Balls: I love mozzarella for creaminess. If you can’t find mozzarella balls, you can cut slices from a block of mozzarella or use shredded cheese. Just layer it evenly over the pasta.
Hot Dogs/Sausage: Any cooked sausage will work. For a vegetarian option, consider using veggie hot dogs or even large slices of mushrooms as the “iris.”
How Do You Get the Cheese Perfectly Golden and Bubbling?
To achieve that gorgeous golden, bubbly cheese, it’s important to bake the dish uncovered. This allows steam to escape, helping the cheese crisp up nicely. Give it about 20 minutes in the oven, but keep an eye on it! If you like extra crispiness, you could broil it for a minute or two at the end, just watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
- Ensure the oven is fully preheated before placing your dish inside.
- Spread the cheese evenly for consistent melting.
- Check for doneness by watching for a bubbly, golden color.
Eyeball Pasta Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 2 cups marinara or tomato pasta sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach or kale (optional)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese balls (bite-sized, such as bocconcini)
- 12 slices cooked hot dog or sausage (for eyeball “iris”)
- Black olives, sliced (for “pupil”)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Eyeball Pasta Bake will take about 15 minutes of prep time to gather and cook the ingredients, plus around 20 minutes of baking time. In total, plan for about 35-40 minutes to enjoy this spooky culinary creation!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
First, let’s get that oven warmed up! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, grease a medium baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Pasta
Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add your rotini pasta and cook until it’s just al dente, which means it should still be a bit firm. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside for now.
3. Make the Sauce
In a skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion for about 3-4 minutes or until it becomes soft and translucent. Now, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, making sure not to burn it!
4. Combine Sauce and Greens
Next, pour in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes to blend those flavors nicely. If you’re adding spinach or kale, toss it in now and cook until it wilts, then season everything with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste.
5. Mix in the Pasta
Time to bring it all together! Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce mixture, ensuring every twist of pasta is nicely coated in the delicious flavors. This is where the magic happens!
6. Assemble in the Baking Dish
Transfer the sauced pasta into your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly across the bottom. This ensures every bite will be scrumptious!
7. Add the Eyeballs
Now for the fun part! Place the mozzarella cheese balls on top of the pasta. Each one will serve as an “eyeball.” Then, take a slice of cooked hot dog or sausage and place it on each mozzarella ball to create the iris effect. Top each one off with a slice of black olive to be the pupil, creating the perfect spooky look!
8. Bake to Perfection
Pop the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 20 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top—yum!
9. Garnish and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a minute or two. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a touch of color and flavor before digging in!
Now grab a spoon, serve it up, and enjoy your fun and festive Eyeball Pasta Bake—perfect for Halloween or any playful dinner gathering!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the rotini pasta with gluten-free pasta varieties, such as brown rice or quinoa pasta. Just ensure to cook according to package instructions, as cooking times can vary!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, let the Eyeball Pasta Bake cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can assemble everything ahead of time! Prepare the pasta and sauce, mix them together in the baking dish, and cover it tightly. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going in cold.
Can I Add Extra Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other veggies you enjoy, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just sauté them along with the onion and garlic for added flavor and texture. Aim for a mix that complements the marinara sauce!