Pasta is a weekday staple for many families, but it’s easy to get stuck in a rut making the same dishes over and over. Spicing up your pasta routine with new recipes that are still kid-friendly can breathe new life into dinnertime. Here are a few creative pasta dishes your whole family is sure to love.
For an easy one-pot meal, try pasta e fagioli. Sauté onions and garlic, then add broth, beans, and vegetables like carrots and celery. Simmer until the vegetables are tender, then add small pasta shapes like ditalini or macaroni and simmer until the pasta is al dente. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and serve with a simple salad.
Lasagna roll-ups put a fun spin on a classic dish. Make or use pre-made lasagna sheets. Spread a layer of ricotta on each sheet, then top with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Roll up the sheets and place in a baking dish. Cover with your favorite marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese before baking until bubbly.
For pasta salad, bow tie farfalle pasta pairs well with pesto, pine nuts, and fresh vegetables. Toss the cooked farfalle with pesto, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and pine nuts. Chill before serving for extra flavor. Add grilled chicken for a heartier meal.
Seafood pasta dishes are always a treat. Linguine with shrimp scampi is a favorite that comes together quickly. Sauté shrimp with garlic and olive oil, then toss with linguine, parsley, lemon juice and zest. For a creamier dish, make fettuccine alfredo with shrimp and scallops.
Meatballs and pasta are always a kid favorite. Make your own turkey meatballs or use pre-made, and simmer them in marinara sauce with pasta like rotini, penne or spaghetti. The sauce will become infused with the flavor of the meatballs. Top with mozzarella cheese and basil.
Use your creativity to make pasta dishes that your whole family will love. With so many varieties of pasta, sauces and mix-ins, the options are endless. Trying new recipes together can lead to new favorites and bring your family together at the table.
