15 Easy Pasta Recipes for Kids That They’ll Love

Discover 15 super easy pasta recipes for kids that are both delicious and nutritious. Perfect for picky eaters, these recipes will make mealtime a breeze!

Looking for quick and delicious meals that your little ones will love? Look no further! Here are 15 super easy pasta recipes for kids that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. From classic favorites to creative twists, these recipes are nutritious and perfect for busy families. Let’s dive in!

1. Cheesy Macaroni and Cheese

A timeless classic that kids can’t resist. This creamy, cheesy macaroni is quick to make and always a hit.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add milk and cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
4. Mix in the cooked macaroni and season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve warm and enjoy!

2. Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce

Simple and delicious, this spaghetti with tomato sauce is a staple in any kid-friendly kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add tomato sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Toss the spaghetti in the sauce.
5. Garnish with basil leaves and serve.

3. Fun Shaped Pasta with Pesto – Pasta Recipes for Kids

Kids love fun-shaped pasta, and this pesto version is both tasty and nutritious.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups fun-shaped pasta (stars, shells, etc.)
• 1 cup basil pesto
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Mix the pasta with basil pesto until well coated.
3. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.

4. Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Creamy and comforting, this chicken alfredo pasta is a delightful dish for kids.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups penne pasta
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and add heavy cream.
3. Stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
4. Add the cooked chicken and pasta, mixing well.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then serve.

5. Veggie Pasta Salad

A colorful and healthy pasta salad packed with veggies that kids will love.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups rotini pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup Italian dressing

Instructions:

1. Cook rotini pasta according to package directions. Drain and let cool.
2. Combine pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper in a large bowl.
3. Toss with Italian dressing and serve chilled.

6. Baked Ziti – Pasta Recipes for Kids

A hearty and cheesy baked ziti that’s perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups ziti pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ziti pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, mix cooked ziti, marinara sauce, and ricotta cheese.
4. Transfer to a baking dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Serve warm.

7. Meatball Pasta – Pasta Recipes for Kids

Tasty meatballs combined with pasta make a delightful meal for kids.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 pound meatballs (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil and cook meatballs until browned.
3. Add tomato sauce to the pan and simmer with meatballs for 10 minutes.
4. Serve meatballs and sauce over spaghetti.

8. Cheesy Broccoli Pasta

A nutritious pasta dish with broccoli and a cheesy twist.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pasta of choice
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Steam broccoli florets until tender.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter and add milk and cheese, stirring until smooth.
4. Mix in the cooked pasta and broccoli.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then serve.

9. Tuna Pasta Bake – Pasta Recipes for Kids

A delicious and easy tuna pasta bake that’s perfect for a quick dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pasta
• 1 can tuna, drained
• 1 cup peas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, mix pasta, tuna, peas, cheddar cheese, and mayonnaise.
4. Transfer to a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs.
5. Bake for 20 minutes or until top is golden and crispy.

10. Buttered Noodles with Parmesan

Simple yet tasty, these buttered noodles with Parmesan are a quick favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups egg noodles
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix hot noodles with butter until melted.
3. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.

11. Bacon and Pea Pasta – Pasta Recipes for Kids

A quick and savory pasta dish with bacon and peas that kids will love.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pasta
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup peas
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix pasta, crumbled bacon, peas, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Season with salt and pepper, then serve.

12. Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells

These stuffed shells are packed with spinach and cheese, making them a nutritious option.

Ingredients:

• 12 large pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup marinara sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, spinach, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
4. Stuff the pasta shells with the cheese mixture and place in a baking dish.
5. Pour marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.

13. Ham and Cheese Pasta

A delightful ham and cheese pasta that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pasta
• 1 cup cooked ham, diced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and add milk and cheddar cheese, stirring until smooth.
3. Mix in the cooked pasta and ham.
4. Season with salt and pepper, then serve.

14. Pepperoni Pizza Pasta – Pasta Recipes for Kids

A fun twist on pizza, this pepperoni pizza pasta combines all the flavors kids love.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pasta (penne or rotini)
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix pasta with marinara sauce and Italian seasoning.
3. Transfer to a baking dish and top with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, and Parmesan cheese.
4. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve warm and enjoy!

15. Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

A unique and creamy pumpkin pasta that’s perfect for fall.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pasta
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, heat olive oil and add pumpkin puree and heavy cream, stirring until combined.
3. Mix in the cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese.
4. Season with salt and pepper, then serve.

These 15 super easy pasta recipes for kids are sure to make mealtime fun and delicious. From classic macaroni and cheese to creative pumpkin pasta and pepperoni pizza pasta, there’s something for every little palate. Give them a try and watch your kids enjoy their meals like never before!

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