Description
When it comes to getting the family excited about dinner, I’ve found that a little creativity goes a long way. A while back, I stumbled upon this delightful recipe for Pesto Eyeball Pasta, and let me tell you, it was a hit! The kids couldn’t stop giggling as they twirled their forks into the green goodness, and even my partner, who usually claims to be “not a fan of pesto,” went back for seconds. The best part? It’s as easy to make as it is fun to eat! So, if you’re looking to bring a bit of Halloween spirit to your table without sacrificing flavor, this dish is a winner. Let’s dive into the details!
Ingredients
To whip up this spooky yet delicious Pesto Eyeball Pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- For the Pasta:
- 12 oz spaghetti or any pasta of your choice
- Salt (for pasta water)
- For the Pesto Sauce:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- For the Eyeballs:
- 1 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 1/2 cup black olives (for the pupils)
- Optional: cherry tomatoes for decoration
Instructions
Making this pasta is a breeze! Here’s how to bring your Pesto Eyeball Pasta to life:
- Cook the Pasta:
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Make the Pesto:
- In a food processor, combine the basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.
- With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- Combine:
- In the pot you used for the pasta, toss the spaghetti with the pesto until well-coated. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if necessary to help it mix.
- Prepare the Eyeballs:
- Cut each mozzarella ball in half. Place one half on each plate, and then top with a slice of black olive to create the “pupil.”
- Serve:
- Dish out the pesto pasta onto plates and arrange the mozzarella eyeballs on top. If you’re feeling extra festive, add some cherry tomatoes around for a pop of color!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550