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Wiggly fusilli pasta in white dish with roasted cherry tomatoes melted mozzarella and fresh basil

Creepy Crawly Pasta Bake

Discover the ultimate comfort food for Halloween with our Creepy Crawly Pasta Bake recipe. Easy, fun, and delicious! This dish is a fun twist on a classic pasta bake, perfect for Halloween or any night you want to add a touch of whimsy to your dinner table. With its wiggly, crawly noodles and a rich, creamy sauce, it's a meal that's as delicious as it is delightful.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 231
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 12 oz pasta (like fusilli or rotini)
Meat
  • 1 lb ground beef
Vegetables
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
Sauce
  • 24 oz canned tomato sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream
Cheese
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (like mozzarella or cheddar)
Seasonings
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
Garnish
  • fresh basil optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Colander
  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Dice onion and mince garlic.
  3. Measure out all other ingredients.
Step 2: Cooking the Main Components
  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened (about 3 minutes).
  2. Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned (about 5 minutes). Drain excess fat.
  3. Stir in tomato sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream and 1 cup of shredded cheese.
Step 3: Assembling the Dish
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In the baking dish, combine cooked pasta, meat sauce, and cream mixture. Stir until well coated.
  3. Top with remaining shredded cheese.
Step 4: Baking or Final Cooking Touches
  1. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden.
  2. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra creaminess, stir in a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt with the cream mixture. To make ahead, assemble the dish but don't bake. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.