When it comes to dinner recipes kid friendly, I know how important it is to whip up something that’ll please even the pickiest of eaters. I’ve had my fair share of culinary battles with my little ones, trying to sneak in vegetables or whole grains without the inevitable “Eww!” reaction. That’s why this simple and delicious pasta bake has become a staple in my household. It’s cheesy, comforting, and oh-so-easy to make! Plus, it offers enough flavor to satisfy adults while still being mild enough for kids. Trust me, the moment you pull this cheesy goodness from the oven, your kitchen will be filled with smiles and the delightful aroma of melted cheese. So, let’s dive into this easy dinner recipe that’ll make everyone happy at the table!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this kid-friendly pasta bake a hit! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups of pasta: I love using penne or rotini for this dish, as they hold the sauce beautifully. Cook according to package instructions.
- 1 cup of marinara sauce: Go for your favorite store-bought brand or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous! It brings that rich, tangy flavor.
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese: The star of the show! It melts perfectly and creates that gooey texture kids adore.
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese: This adds a lovely umami kick. Trust me, it elevates the dish!
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil: This helps keep the pasta from sticking together and adds a nice richness.
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder: A must for flavor! It’s a great way to sneak in some savory goodness without being overpowering.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for balancing the flavors—don’t skip this step!
How to Prepare Instructions
Let’s get cooking! This cheesy pasta bake is super simple, and I promise you’ll have it ready in no time. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by boiling a large pot of water. Don’t forget to add a generous pinch of salt; it’ll help flavor the pasta as it cooks.
- Once the water is boiling, add your 2 cups of pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. You want it firm but not crunchy!
- After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander and return it to the pot. This is where the magic begins!
- Drizzle in 1 tablespoon of olive oil while the pasta is still hot, and give it a good stir. This helps prevent the pasta from sticking together.
- Next, pour in 1 cup of marinara sauce and sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Stir everything together until the pasta is well coated. Season with salt and black pepper to your liking!
- Now, transfer the pasta mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Here comes the best part! Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Make it nice and cheesy!
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), and bake the dish for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it—the cheese should be melted and bubbly, creating that irresistible golden crust.
And there you have it! A delicious, kid-friendly pasta bake that’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Enjoy the cheesy goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of baking, you’ll have dinner on the table in no time—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Kid-Friendly Flavors: The cheesy, saucy goodness will win over even the most discerning little palates, making it a go-to for picky eaters.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this dish by adding your kids’ favorite veggies or proteins—think cooked chicken, spinach, or bell peppers!
- Comfort Food: This pasta bake is the ultimate cozy meal, bringing warmth and smiles to your family dinner.
Tips for Success
To make this kid-friendly pasta bake truly shine, I’ve got a few handy tips up my sleeve! First, be sure to cook the pasta just until al dente—this prevents it from getting mushy during baking. If you’re using store-bought marinara, look for a brand with simple ingredients; it makes a world of difference in flavor. When adding cheese, feel free to mix in a bit of cheddar for extra zing! Another pro tip: let the baked pasta sit for a few minutes before serving; this helps the cheese set slightly, making it easier to scoop out. And don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor!
Variations
If you want to mix things up with this pasta bake, the possibilities are endless! For a healthier twist, try adding steamed broccoli, sautéed zucchini, or even a handful of spinach right into the mix. These veggies not only sneak in some nutrients but also add a nice color contrast. If your kids enjoy meat, diced cooked chicken or Italian sausage can boost the protein factor and make it even heartier. Feeling adventurous? Toss in a cup of cooked lentils for a plant-based protein punch! You could also swap out the marinara for alfredo sauce for a creamy variation. Trust me, they’ll love the new flavors!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To store your delicious pasta bake, simply let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days—just make sure to enjoy it quickly because it’s so good, you won’t want it lingering too long!
When you’re ready to dig in again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta bake in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until it’s warmed through. If you want to re-crisp that cheesy topping, remove the foil for the last few minutes. Yum!
Nutritional Information Section
Keep in mind that nutrition information can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these values are approximate. For each serving (1 cup), you can expect around 350 calories, 15g of fat, 15g of protein, and 40g of carbohydrates. It’s a delightful balance of cheesy goodness and comfort that your little ones will love!
FAQ Section
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute regular pasta with gluten-free options. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package, as gluten-free pasta can have different cooking times.
What can I add to make this dish more nutritious?
You can sneak in extra nutrition by adding cooked vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers. They blend in beautifully and boost the dish’s vitamins without sacrificing flavor!
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the pasta bake ahead of time! Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, it may need an extra few minutes in the oven if it’s cold from the fridge.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Definitely! You can freeze the assembled pasta bake before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as instructed.
Can I use different types of cheese?
For sure! While mozzarella is a classic choice, you can mix in cheddar, gouda, or even a sprinkle of feta for a unique twist. Experiment with what your kids love!
Dinner Recipes Kid Friendly: Delicious Pasta Bake Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious kid-friendly dinner recipe that appeals to picky eaters.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of pasta
- 1 cup of marinara sauce
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot and add salt.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- Add olive oil, marinara sauce, and garlic powder to the pasta.
- Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Feel free to add cooked vegetables or protein for variation.
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
- Garnish with fresh basil for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: dinner recipes kid friendly
