Description
This festive black bean Halloween pasta features inky black noodles, a robust tomato sauce, and playful mozzarella ‘eyeballs’ for a spooky, crowd-pleasing dinner. It’s quick, nutritious, and perfect for parties or family meals during October.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz black bean pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup water
- 8–10 mini mozzarella balls (about 4 oz)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup roasted red pepper strips
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add black bean pasta and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, black pepper, and water. Stir well and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens.
- Slice mozzarella balls in half. Place a sliced black olive on each half to create ‘eyeballs.’ Cut roasted red pepper into thin strips. Chop parsley for garnish.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet with sauce. Toss gently to coat noodles completely. If sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of water.
- Transfer pasta to a serving bowl or platter. Arrange mozzarella ‘eyeballs’ on top, scatter roasted red pepper strips, and sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan (if using).
- Serve immediately while warm and spooky. If making ahead, keep toppings separate and add just before serving.
Notes
Don’t overcook black bean pasta—it gets mushy fast. Prep toppings while sauce simmers for efficiency. For vegan, use dairy-free mozzarella and skip Parmesan. Toss pasta with olive oil after draining to prevent sticking. Let guests decorate their own bowls for party fun.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 2 cups pasta with sauce and toppings
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 10
- Protein: 18
Keywords: Halloween pasta, black bean pasta, spooky dinner, party recipe, gluten-free, vegetarian, festive, easy pasta, kid-friendly, mozzarella eyeballs