Eyeball Pasta Bake is a fun and spooky dish that’s perfect for a party! With pasta covered in tasty marinara sauce and gooey cheese, it looks like an explosion of flavor.
Kids and adults alike will giggle at the silly eyeball decorations made from mozzarella balls and olives. I love serving this warm and cheesy dish on Halloween—it’s a crowd-pleaser for sure!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Tubular pasta, like rigatoni, holds onto the sauce well. If you can’t find it, penne or ziti works too. Gluten-free pasta is great for dietary needs, just adjust cooking time as needed.
Marinara Sauce: A store-bought sauce is quick and easy. If you’re up for it, homemade sauce can add extra flavor. You could use alfredo or a mix of both for something different!
Cheese: Ricotta adds creaminess, but you can swap it with cottage cheese for fewer calories. If you need a non-dairy option, a vegan cream cheese could work well. I love extra mozzarella on top for a cheesy finish!
Meat: Ground beef or sausage adds richness, but feel free to leave it out for a vegetarian version. Chopped mushrooms or lentils can be a tasty alternative to provide substance.
Olives: Black olives give the ‘eyeball’ look. If you’re not keen on olives, consider using cherry tomatoes cut in half for a fun variation!
How Do I Get My Pasta Bake to Be Extra Cheesy?
The trick to achieving a gooey, cheesy pasta bake is layering the cheeses properly. Start by mixing some cheese into the pasta and sauce. Then, layer more cheese on top. This helps it melt evenly and gives that perfect cheesy crust.
- Use a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for both richness and flavor.
- Don’t rush the baking time! Let it bake until golden and bubbly for the best texture.
- If the top isn’t browning as much, you can broil for a minute at the end—just keep an eye on it!
How to Make Eyeball Pasta Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340 g) tubular pasta (rigatoni or similar)
- 2 cups marinara or tomato pasta sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 lb (225 g) ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Eyeballs:
- 12 small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- Black olive slices or whole black peppercorns (for pupils)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Eyeball Pasta Bake takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to bake. You’ll spend a little time cooking the pasta, mixing the ingredients, and assembling everything, but the result is a spooky and cheesy dinner that’s sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when your pasta bake is ready to go in.
2. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it until al dente, which should be about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain the pasta, but don’t forget to reserve 1/2 cup of that pasta water—it’ll be helpful later!
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they’re soft and fragrant (about 3-4 minutes). If you’re using meat, now’s the time to add the ground beef or sausage. Break it up as it cooks, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Mix in the Sauce:
Once the meat is fully cooked, stir in the marinara sauce. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes. If the sauce seems too thick, mix in the reserved pasta water bit by bit until you get the right consistency.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with your meat and sauce mix. Give it a good stir so everything is well-coated and combined.
6. Layer the Bake:
Transfer half of the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese evenly over this layer, then sprinkle on 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Add the rest of the pasta mixture on top to create even layers.
7. Add the Eyeballs:
Now for the fun part! Place the mozzarella balls spaced evenly across the surface to look like eyeballs. This adds a spooky touch to your dish!
8. Bake:
Pop the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes. This will help everything meld together and get nice and cheesy.
9. Finish Off the Eyeballs:
After 20 minutes, take the dish out of the oven. Carefully add a slice of black olive or a whole black peppercorn in the center of each mozzarella ball to create the ‘pupil’ of the eyeball.
10. Final Bake:
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. It should look incredible!
11. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs on top before serving. This adds flavor and a pop of color to your Eyeball Pasta Bake.
12. Enjoy!
Serve warm and delight in this spooky and cheesy goodness with family and friends!
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great alternative if you’re looking for something healthier. Gluten-free pasta works too; just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the best results.
Can I Prepare This Dish In Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the Eyeball Pasta Bake a day in advance. Simply assemble it up to the baking step, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to eat, bake it straight from the refrigerator, adding an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot.
What Can I Use Instead of Ricotta Cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta cheese, you can substitute it with cottage cheese for a similar texture. For a dairy-free option, try using vegan cream cheese or a nut-based ricotta alternative for a delicious twist!
