Homemade Eyeball Pasta Bake

Homemade eyeball pasta bake instantly takes me back to a Halloween night when I was scrambling to throw together a last-minute dinner that felt festive but still filling. I remember digging through my fridge, spotting mozzarella slices and olives, and suddenly deciding to turn my regular baked pasta into something with a spooky twist. I didn’t expect it to become the star of the evening, but it totally stole the show and got more compliments than my costume!

Now, it’s one of those dishes I can’t imagine October without. It’s hearty and cheesy and those little eyeballs made from mozzarella and olives never fail to get a laugh—or a playful shriek. Plus, it’s one of the easiest ways to turn a family dinner into a Halloween celebration with just a few extra touches.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Rigatoni pasta – A sturdy pasta that holds sauce well and stands up perfectly in the baking dish
• Marinara sauce – Adds rich, tomato flavor to coat every piece of pasta
• Ricotta cheese – Creamy and slightly tangy, this fills the rigatoni and adds richness
• Shredded mozzarella – Helps everything melt together and adds that gooey baked top
• Mozzarella slices or bocconcini – Used to create the eyeball look on top
• Black olives – Sliced into rounds for the pupils of the eyes
• Green olives – Optional, for a spooky two-tone eyeball effect
• Olive oil – Helps coat the pasta and keeps everything from sticking together
• Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning both the pasta and the filling

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot – For boiling your pasta to al dente perfection
• Colander – To drain the pasta without overcooking it
• Mixing bowl – Perfect for combining the ricotta filling
• Baking dish – This holds everything together and gives that perfect baked top
• Spoon or piping bag – For filling the rigatoni with ricotta (if you want to get fancy)
• Knife – For slicing olives and mozzarella into perfect eyeball shapes
• Oven – To bake the pasta until bubbling and golden

Instructions

Step 1:

I start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the rigatoni until it’s just al dente. I drain it and toss it with a drizzle of olive oil so it doesn’t stick together.

Step 2:

While the pasta cooks, I mix the ricotta cheese with a bit of salt and pepper in a bowl. Sometimes I add grated parmesan or fresh basil if I have it on hand.

Step 3:

I spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of my baking dish, then I stand the rigatoni upright, packing it in tightly. This part takes a few minutes, but the final look is totally worth it.

Step 4:

Using a spoon or piping bag, I fill each rigatoni tube with the ricotta mixture. It’s okay if it gets a little messy—it all melts together beautifully.

Step 5:

Once the rigatoni is filled, I pour more marinara over the top and sprinkle it generously with shredded mozzarella.

Step 6:

Now for the fun part! I place mozzarella slices (or bocconcini halves) on top of the pasta and press a slice of black olive in the center of each one to make spooky eyeballs. Sometimes I add a little dab of marinara sauce under the olive to make it look bloodshot.

Step 7:

I bake the whole dish at 375°F (190°C) for about 25–30 minutes, or until it’s bubbling and the cheese is golden.

Step 8:

Once it’s out of the oven, I let it cool slightly before serving. The eyeballs hold their shape, and every bite is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor.

Tips

If you want the eyes to look extra realistic, I suggest brushing a little olive oil or marinara sauce around the edges of the mozzarella right before baking. I’ve also tried adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the ricotta mix for a little kick. And if you don’t want to fill the rigatoni, you can just layer everything for a quicker version!

Ways to Serve

I like to serve this pasta bake with garlic bread and a green salad for a complete meal. It’s great for Halloween dinners, spooky-themed potlucks, or even just a fun weeknight surprise. If you’re serving kids, pair it with some “witches’ brew” punch to complete the vibe!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make homemade eyeball pasta bake ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance, keep it in the fridge, and bake when ready.

Can I freeze this pasta bake?

Definitely. Freeze after baking and reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot all the way through.

What’s the best cheese for eyeballs in homemade eyeball pasta bake?

I prefer fresh mozzarella slices or bocconcini—they melt just right and hold their shape.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this homemade eyeball pasta bake a try! It’s spooky, satisfying, and such a fun way to celebrate the season. Let me know how your version turns out and feel free to share any creepy variations you come up with!

Happy Cooking!

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