Transylvania Garlic Fettuccine

Everyone will bug out when they bite into this pasta filled with bits of pepperoni

Ingredients

Bugs:

• 8 colossal ripe pitted olives, patted dry
• 48 chow mein noodles, from 16-oz. can
• 8 canned small ripe pitted olives, patted dry

Pasta:

• 1 lb. fettuccine, linguine or spaghetti pasta
• 2 Tbs. olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 8 cloves garlic, halved
• 4 oz. piece pepperoni, diced
• 1 (24 oz.) jar marinara pasta sauce
• Freshly ground pepper

Instructions

1. To make bugs: Using toothpick, poke three holes on each side of each colossal olive. Gently insert 1 chow mein noodle into each hole. Insert 1 small olive into opening in one end of each colossal olive; reserve.
2. In large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package directions; drain and cover to keep warm.
3. While pasta cooks, prepare sauce: In large skillet, heat oil over medium-low heat. Add onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 min. Add garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and golden, about 3 min. Add pepperoni; cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 2 min. Stir in pasta sauce; over high heat, bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 5 min. Season with pepper. Transfer pasta to serving bowl; top with pasta sauce and reserved bugs.