Got a picky crew? These pasta recipes for kids will make planning your weeknight menu simpler than ever.
45 Pasta Recipes for Kids (That Are Picky-Eater Approved!)
Updated on Mar. 31, 2023
Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
I try to make foods that are not only kid-friendly but that are also easy to reheat because my husband works long hours and often eats later than our children. If you like, use reduced-fat cheese and ground turkey for a lighter version. —Melissa Stevens, Elk River, Minnesota
1/45
2/45
Makeover Slow-Cooked Mac ‘n’ Cheese
Total Time
2 hours 25 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is a clear example of comfort food at its finest; it's rich, hearty and extra cheesy. And because it's made in the slow cooker, it's also extremely easy. —Shelby Molina, Whitewater, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 300 calories, 12g fat (9g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 647mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat.
3/45
Parmesan Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
On lazy summer weekends, we like chicken and yellow squash tossed with bow tie pasta. Add extra fresh grated Parmesan for a Sunday touch. —Sarah Smiley, Bangor, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 528 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 690mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 33g protein.
4/45
Turkey Sausage with Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're looking for recipes with turkey sausage, stop here. This has the perfect blend of meaty, veggie and cheesy goodness. You'll be craving what's good for you when this pasta dish is on the menu. —Mary Tallman, Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup sausage mixture with 1 cup pasta: 396 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 679mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein.
5/45
Three-Cheese Meatball Mostaccioli
Total Time
50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my husband travels for work, I make a special dinner for my kids to keep their minds off missing Daddy. This tasty mostaccioli is magic. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 541 calories, 23g fat (11g saturated fat), 105mg cholesterol, 1335mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 5g fiber), 34g protein.
6/45
Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Total Time
4 hours 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Buffalo chicken is a favorite in our household. Combine it with pasta, and you have the ultimate comfort food. If you prefer less spicy food, the addition of sour cream, ranch dressing and mozzarella provides a creamy texture and cooler flavor that nicely balances the spice in this Buffalo chicken pasta dish. —Kathy White, Henderson, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 699 calories, 33g fat (14g saturated fat), 130mg cholesterol, 1995mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 41g protein.
7/45
Sloppy Joe Pasta
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Since I found this quick-to-fix recipe a few years ago, it's become a regular part of my menu plans. Everyone loves the combination of sloppy joe ingredients, shell pasta and cheddar cheese. —Lynne Leih, Idyllwild, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 291 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 904mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.
8/45
Chicken and Bows
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I first made this chicken bow tie pasta when I was a professional nanny. It comes together quickly at dinnertime when the kids are hungry. —Danette Forbes, Overland Park, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 536 calories, 18g fat (8g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 908mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 37g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 3 very lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.
9/45
Tender Beef over Noodles
Total Time
5 hours 45 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I dress up stew meat with noodles and a slightly sweet red sauce for this satisfying main dish. It goes great with a salad and garlic bread. —Olivia Gust, Salem, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup beef mixture with 1/2 cup cooked noodles: 385 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 611mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
10/45
Chili-ghetti
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this recipe when unexpected guests stopped by and I didn't have enough chili to go around. This spur-of-the-moment main dish is now a family favorite. —Cindy Cuykendall, Skaneateles, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 374 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 706mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 25g protein.
11/45
Sausage Bow Tie Pasta
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We often have our favorite pasta when company comes over, and I’ve shared this Italian sausage recipe several times. Now many of my friends make it for their families, too. —Janelle Moore, Auburn, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 751 calories, 44g fat (21g saturated fat), 119mg cholesterol, 989mg sodium, 67g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.
12/45
Taco Stuffed Shells
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a kid-friendly dish so flavorful and fun, nobody is likely to guess that it's also lower in fat. It's a great family supper for busy weeknights! —Anne Thomsen, Westchester, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3 stuffed shells: 384 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 665mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein.
13/45
Beef Noodle Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was working on the local election board in the '50s, one of my co-workers gave me this recipe, and it has been a family favorite ever since. It's quick to make for unexpected company or easily doubled for a potluck.—Mary Hinman, Escondido, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 436 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 736mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein.
14/45
Double Jack Mac
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This spicy mac and cheese recipe came about when I asked my two sisters what they would like to add to mac and cheese to make it special. One said pepper jack cheese and the other said black beans. I liked both of the ideas and this is the result. The black beans add color and nutrition. The pepper jack cheese adds zip and fun. —Andrea Johnson, Freeport, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 837 calories, 41g fat (24g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 1283mg sodium, 79g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 37g protein.
15/45
Gnocchi Chicken Skillet
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Stovetop chicken and gnocchi recipes like this one make for a homey dinner in a hurry. Personalize it with your own favorite sauce and seasonings. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups (calculated without cheese): 598 calories, 24g fat (6g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 1632mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 6g fiber), 30g protein.
16/45
Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When chicken Parmesan meets stuffed shells, it's love at first bite. The texture of the chicken holds up in the deliciously creamy and cheesy mixture. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 431 calories, 19g fat (10g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 752mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein.
17/45
Tortellini Carbonara
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Bacon, cream and Parmesan cheese make a classic pasta sauce that's absolutely heavenly. It's a delightful option for company! —Cathy Croyle, Davidsville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 527 calories, 36g fat (20g saturated fat), 121mg cholesterol, 728mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
18/45
BLT Skillet
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick weeknight meal reminds me of a BLT, with its chunks of bacon and tomato. The whole wheat linguine gives the skillet dish extra flavor and texture. —Edrie O'Brien, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 314 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 682mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 7g fiber), 14g protein.
19/45
Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
Total Time
2 hours 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe was inspired by my daughter's favorite food—Buffalo wings! It tastes as if it came from a restaurant. —Melissa Millwood, Lyman, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 466 calories, 28g fat (15g saturated fat), 124mg cholesterol, 1680mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein.
20/45
Easy Chili Mac
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This combines chili with one of my favorite pasta dishes. I often serve it for company or potlucks and occasionally add taco seasoning or use beanless chili and add black beans. —Lee Steinmetz, Lansing, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 422 calories, 21g fat (9g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 898mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 30g protein.
21/45
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this dish after my father had triple bypass surgery. He loves comfort food and I wanted him to be able to enjoy a rich and tasty dish like mac & cheese without all the fat and butter. It's also a great way to sneak in some veggies for children. —Megan Schwartz, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 422 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 750mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 12g fiber), 20g protein.
22/45
Southern Barbecue Spaghetti Sauce
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I revamped our favorite sloppy joe recipe into this thick spaghetti sauce that simmers in the slow cooker. The flavor is jazzy enough to be interesting to adults, yet mild enough for the kids to enjoy. —Rhonda Melanson, Sarnia, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup sauce: 336 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 516mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 5g fiber), 18g protein.
23/45
Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I try to make foods that are not only kid friendly, but are also easy to reheat since my husband works long hours and often eats later than our children. If you like, use reduced-fat cheese and ground turkey for a lighter version. —Melissa Stevens, Elk River, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 389 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 565mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
24/45
Hurry-Up Ham N Noodles
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These noodles are a rich-tasting entree. The basic, hearty dish is ready to serve in almost the time it takes to cook the noodles. It is super for a luncheon or any time I’m in a hurry. —Lucille Howell, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 619 calories, 43g fat (25g saturated fat), 193mg cholesterol, 1154mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein.
25/45
Lasagna Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
While growing up, I always wanted this meal on my birthday. Mother made the sauce from scratch, but now I use store-bought spaghetti sauce to save time. Replace the ground beef with Italian sausage if you want more spice. —Deb Morrison, Skiatook, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 667 calories, 30g fat (14g saturated fat), 157mg cholesterol, 1209mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 44g protein.
26/45
Garlic Bread Pasta Torte
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids love to stuff spiral pasta inside bread for a clever dinner torte. We save the bread crusts to make garlicky croutons for salad. —Melissa Birdsong, Waleska, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice (calculated without additional marinara sauce): 409 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 752mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein.
27/45
Skillet Mac and Cheese
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy mac and cheese is so simple it’s almost too easy! Kids really go for the rich cheese flavor, but I’ve never met an adult who didn’t love it just as much. —Ann Bowers, Rockport, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 600 calories, 37g fat (23g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 1185mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.
28/45
Weeknight Pasta Squiggles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This zesty pasta dish is ideal for busy weeknights. It contains just a few ingredients, is easy to prep, and tastes so comforting when the weather turns cool. A salad on the side makes this healthy pasta recipe a meal. —Stacey Brown, Spring, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 278 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat.
29/45
Easy Chicken Alfredo
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish’s classic sauce is almost as simple as opening a jar but tastes so much better. The easy chicken Alfredo recipe can be on the table in less than 30 minutes. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 998 calories, 77g fat (46g saturated fat), 326mg cholesterol, 1015mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 36g protein.
30/45
Skillet Lasagna
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is hands-down one of the best skillet lasagna recipes our testing panel has ever tasted. And with classic flavors and cheesy layers, it’s definitely kid-friendly. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 478 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 128mg cholesterol, 1552mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 4g fiber), 31g protein.
31/45
Pizza Spaghetti
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The idea for this recipe came to me when I saw someone dip a slice of pizza into a pasta dish. My wife and kids love it, and so do my friends! —Robert Smith, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 354 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 512mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 7g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat.
32/45
Fiesta Ravioli
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I adapted this recipe to suit our taste for spicy food. The ravioli taste like mini enchiladas. I serve them with a Mexican-inspired salad and pineapple sherbet for dessert. —Debbie Purdue, Freeland, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 470 calories, 20g fat (9g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 1342mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 23g protein.
33/45
Authentic Pasta Carbonara
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I learned on my culinary internship in Tuscany that real Italian cuisine is simpler than you think! This carbonara is quick, simple and delicious, just the way they like it in Italy. —Lauren Brien-Wooster, South Lake Tahoe, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 353 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 326mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
34/45
Saucy Chicken & Tortellini
Total Time
6 hours 25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This heartwarming dish is something I threw together years ago for my oldest daughter. When she's having a rough day, I put on the slow cooker and prepare this special recipe. —Mary Morgan, Dallas, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 437 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 922mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 31g protein.
35/45
Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Orzo
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Broccoli and rice casserole tops my family's comfort food list, but when we need something fast, this is the stuff. Chicken and veggie orzo cooked on the stovetop speeds everything up. —Mary Shivers, Ada, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 359 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 655mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
36/45
Spaghetti & Meatball Skillet Supper
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I developed this one-skillet spaghetti and meatball dish to cut down on cooking time on busy nights. The beans, artichokes and tomatoes bump up the nutrition factor, while the lemon and parsley make it pop with brightness. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 330 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 1051mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 20g protein.
37/45
Cowboy Pasta
Total Time
35 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This Cowboy Pasta recipe combines ground beef, bacon, corn, tangy buttermilk and Monterey Jack cheese for an easy but hearty weeknight dinner. Add more chili powder or a chopped jalapeno to give this delicious pasta dish more of a kick. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 333 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 456mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
38/45
Mostaccioli
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Even though we’re not Italian, this rich, cheesy pasta dish is a “family tradition” for holidays and special occasions. I was delighted the first time I tried this mostaccioli recipe—it has all the flavor of lasagna without the work of layering the ingredients. Try it…I’m sure it’ll become one of your family’s favorites, too! —Nancy Mundhenke, Kinsley, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 431 calories, 22g fat (9g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 885mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.
39/45
Bacon Mac and Cheese
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
16 servings (3/4 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Jalapeno pepper adds an extra kick to this bacon mac and cheese, giving it great grown-up taste. I serve this comforting dish throughout the year.—Shelly Boehm, South Bend, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 438 calories, 26g fat (13g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 1106mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein.
40/45
Cheeseburger Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this cheeseburger pasta recipe to satisfy a craving. What a delicious, healthy classic! —Raquel Haggard, Edmond, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 391 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 759mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
41/45
42/45
Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Total Time
4 hours
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This classic casserole is a rich and cheesy meatless main dish. I've never met anyone who didn't ask for a second helping. —Bernice Glascoe, Roxboro, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 502 calories, 28g fat (18g saturated fat), 131mg cholesterol, 638mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
43/45
Beef and Shells
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I fix this supper when I'm pressed for time. It's as tasty as it is fast. Team it with salad, bread and fruit for a comforting meal. —Donna Roberts, Manhattan, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 344 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 815mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable.
44/45
Ham Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm a busy nurse, so fast meals are a must. This pasta is a tasty change of pace from potato-ham casseroles. —Kathy Stephan, West Seneca, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 567 calories, 24g fat (8g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 1344mg sodium, 62g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 27g protein.
45/45
Chicken Pesto Meatballs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These tender, pesto-stuffed meatballs get gobbled up in our house. They're short on ingredients, but packed with flavor. I always make a double batch, freezing the other half for a busy night. —Ally Billhorn, Wilton, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup meatball mixture with 1 cup spaghetti: 422 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 706mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 7g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
