Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • Tips on Organizing Your Home

      Tips on Organizing Your Home

      From the kitchen and bathroom to the bedroom and laundry room, here are 40 ways to simplify, streamline, and banish clutter throughout the house. Read More
    • These Are the Paint Colors You'll See Everywhere in 2022

      These Are the Paint Colors You'll See Everywhere in 2022

      Upgrade your spaces with new—and old—classics. Read More
    • 39 Make-Ahead Holiday Dishes That Are Perfect for Festive Family Gatherings

      39 Make-Ahead Holiday Dishes That Are Perfect for Festive Family Gatherings

      These classic recipes will help you get a head start on the festivities. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    All of Our Best Valentine's Day Crafts to Make from the Heart

    All of Our Best Valentine's Day Crafts to Make from the Heart

    Express your love with handmade Valentine's crafts like paper cards, gift ideas, and decorations.
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    Will We Entertain Differently in 2022? These Are the New Trends Hostesses Should Bookmark

    Will We Entertain Differently in 2022? These Are the New Trends Hostesses Should Bookmark

    Secure your role as the host with the absolute most.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Baby Shower Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • You're Invited
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    How to Hang and Arrange Pictures

    How to Hang and Arrange Pictures

    Amp up your home décor with perfectly placed frames.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    Six Houseplant Mistakes to Avoid This Winter

    Six Houseplant Mistakes to Avoid This Winter

    Don't let your varieties fall victim to the perils of poor cold-weather maintenance.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Deep Clean Your Oven with Baking Soda

    How to Deep Clean Your Oven with Baking Soda

    Our easy tips will make this cleaning task a lot less daunting.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Your Ultimate Wedding-Planning Timeline

    Your Ultimate Wedding-Planning Timeline

    Ready, set, go! Our no-nonsense guide will help you learn how to plan your wedding like a pro.
    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    How to Knit: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

    How to Knit: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

    Learn how to knit your own mittens, hats, scarves, and more. We'll take you through the step-by-step instructions and teach you how to cast on, knit, purl, and cast off.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Rescue & Revamp
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    Your Complete Guide to Restoring Moisture Back Into Your Skin

    Your Complete Guide to Restoring Moisture Back Into Your Skin

    Take a multi-pronged approach if you're experiencing excess dryness.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
    • Net Worth
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Food & Cooking
  3. Recipes
  4. Healthy Recipes
  5. Healthy Pasta Recipes
  6. 22 Kid-Friendly Pasta Recipes to Tempt Even the Pickiest Eaters

22 Kid-Friendly Pasta Recipes to Tempt Even the Pickiest Eaters

kelly-vaughan-headshot-0419
By Kelly Vaughan Updated August 20, 2020
Skip gallery slides
Pin
mint pasta zucchini pecorino
Credit: Bryan Gardner
From creamy, cheesy sauces to classics like spaghetti and meatballs, your whole family will devour these pasta dinners.
Start Slideshow

1 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
mint pasta zucchini pecorino
Credit: Bryan Gardner

If you have little kids, getting them to expand their horizons at dinnertime can be a challenge. It may seem like they won't ever want to eat anything that isn't macaroni and cheese or chicken nuggets, but give these kid-friendly pasta recipes a try and they're sure to be asking for more. From hearty meat sauces to plenty of colorful, seasonal vegetables served with pasta and a cheesy, creamy sauce, these recipes are sure to please.

Start with Pasta with Zucchini, Mint, and Pecorino, pictured here. It's a delicious dish for summer and a great way to encourage eating zucchini. One of our favorite ways to convince kids to try new vegetables is by serving them with something familiar that they know and love. Take our recipe for Cheesy Asparagus Pasta, for example. The base of the dish resembles a perfect bowl of macaroni and cheese. Short pasta such as penne is tossed in a rich sauce made from whole milk, cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and grated Gruyere. But we managed to sneak in an entire bunch of asparagus, making this the perfect kid-friendly vegetable-heavy pasta dish.

Another healthy green sneaks its way into our rich Prosciutto Carbonara—spinach! Five ounces of baby spinach is mixed with warm, cooked pasta and a silky sauce until it wilts slightly. Plenty of grated Pecorino Romano cheese and salty strips of prosciutto will surely give kids good reason to dig in.

Of course, we're also serving up classics that everyone loves like Lasagna with Meat Sauce and our Test Kitchen's Favorite Spaghetti and Meatballs. Next time you're wondering what to make for dinner, consider one of these kid-friendly pasta recipes.

1 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Prosciutto Carbonara with Spinach

Prosciutto Carbonara with Spinach
Credit: Kate Sears
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Enjoy this easy, cream-free version of pasta carbonara—your little ones will love it, too. Instead of spaghetti, we're using hearty rigatoni pasta, which is the perfect vessel for holding the creamy sauce made from Pecorino Romano, eggs, and pasta water.

2 of 22

3 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Baked Rigatoni with Mini Meatballs

baked-rigatoni-with-mini-meatballs-102797798.jpg
Credit: Yunhee Kim
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Here's a genius take on pasta with meatballs that's sure to entice your kids. Turn the meat of spicy Italian sausage into mini meatballs. Toss them with cooked rigatoni and cubed mozzarella, then bake until bubbling and golden brown.

3 of 22

Advertisement

4 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pea-Pesto Handkerchiefs

pea pesto handkerchiefs pasta in bowl with spoon
Credit: Chris Simpson
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

There's a secret use of vegetables in this kid-friendly vegetarian pasta recipe. Homemade pesto is made with the staple ingredients—toasted pine nuts, garlic, and Parmigiano-Reggiano—plus thawed, frozen peas.

4 of 22

5 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Grandma's Bolognese

hand-cranked pasta served on a gray plate
Credit: The Ingalls
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Just like Grandma used to make! Kids will love eating this bowl of pasta made with this flavorful Bolognese sauce. A combination of ground beef, ground pork, and dried porcini mushrooms add heft to this classic.

5 of 22

6 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato-Basil Sauce

Spaghetti and Fresh Marinara with Basil
Credit: Marcus Nilsson
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Simple and guaranteed to please, you can't go wrong serving this kid-friendly pasta recipe. Make your own quick pasta sauce using olive oil and garlic, basil, and lots of grated beefsteak, heirloom, and Campari tomatoes.

6 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Test Kitchen's Favorite Spaghetti and Meatballs

meatball makeover spaghetti
Credit: Alpha Smoot
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Impress your family with this classic red sauce recipe. The rich and hearty meatballs include chopped cremini mushrooms, breadcrumbs, plenty of grated Pecorino Romano, and ground beef.

7 of 22

8 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Bacon Pasta with Cheese Sauce and Thyme

bacon pasta cheese sauce thyme
Credit: Linda Pugliese
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The kids will twirl up this twist on spaghetti carbonara. The sauce starts with flour and butter, milk, pasta water, and grated melting cheeses such as Gruyere and fontina are slowly whisked in. Toss it with spaghetti, bacon, and chopped thyme and serve to great acclaim.

8 of 22

9 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

No-Bake Lasagna with Ricotta and Tomatoes

no bake lasagna
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Instead of making everyone's favorite multi-layered lasagna, try this summery and kid-friendly option—it's a deconstructed pasta dish. The sauce is made with extra-virgin olive oil, garlic, cherry tomatoes, and chicken stock and poured over broken lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, basil leaves, and Pecorino Romano cheese.

9 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Bucatini with Roasted and Fresh Tomatoes

bucatini with roasted and fresh tomatoes
Credit: Christopher Testani
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A duo of fresh and roasted tomatoes are used in this produce-focused pasta dish that kids will love. Fresh mint and fresh basil bring brightness and a pop of green to this extra-special version of spaghetti with red sauce.

10 of 22

11 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chicken Bolognese with Tagliatelle

chicken-pasta-035-fork-only-d112542.jpg
Credit: Sharon Radisch
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Make a lighter version of Bolognese sauce using ground chicken instead of the traditional trio of ground beef, veal, and pork. We also swapped in dry white wine in place of robust red sauce, which pairs better with the poultry (the alcohol burns off while cooking so it's totally kid-friendly).

11 of 22

12 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

One-Pot Penne with Zucchini and Parmesan

zucchini-pasta-046-d112023.jpg
Credit: Aaron Dyer
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

When zucchini is at its peak in the summer, it shines in this pasta recipe. It gets a punch of flavor from Parmesan cheese, garlic, and red-pepper flakes.

12 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lasagna with Meat Sauce

ultimate lasagna slice on plate with fork
Credit: Justin Walker
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Lasagna is the ultimate family-friendly dinner. The meat sauce is made with lean ground beef and sweet Italian sausage, plus a rich combination of whole-milk ricotta, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and shredded mozzarella cheese.

13 of 22

14 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Shrimp Alfredo

Shrimp Alfredo
Credit: Mike Krautter
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Upgrade fettuccine alfredo with sautéed shrimp, which are cooked in butter with garlic and lemon zest.

14 of 22

15 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Orecchiette with Butternut Squash and Sage

orecchiette-with-butternut-squash-166-exp-1-d111450.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

When the weather cools off, make this fall-inspired, kid-friendly pasta dish. Orecchiette (which means "little ears" in Italian) is served with roasted butternut squash, crisp sage leaves, and a generous dollop of ricotta cheese.

15 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cacio e Pepe with Lemon

cacio-e-pepe-opener-mld109436.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Translating to cheese and pepper, consider this pasta recipe a grown-up, Italian version of macaroni and cheese that is totally kid-friendly. A rich, buttery sauce is made with starchy pasta water, Grana Padano and Pecorino Romano cheeses, freshly cracked pepper, and the juice of a Meyer lemon.

16 of 22

17 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tuxedo Bow-Tie Pasta with Shrimp

tuxedo bow tie shrimp
Credit: Paola + Murray
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This shrimp pasta dish has serious wow factor, and your kids will be intrigued by the duel-colored, handmade bow-ties (consider serving it to them on Halloween!).

17 of 22

18 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Succotash Pasta

succotash pasta
Credit: Dana Gallagher
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Looking for a way to get your little ones to eat more vegetables? Try this kid-friendly pasta dish—it's loaded with sliced onions, zucchini, fresh corn kernels, and cherry tomatoes. Chopped bacon adds a touch of salty, fatty flavor, which contrasts the fresh, crisp vegetables.

18 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cheesy Asparagus Pasta

cheesy asparagus pasta in red pot
Credit: Chris Simpson
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Are your kids demanding macaroni and cheese for dinner but you're trying to get them to eat their vegetables? This pasta recipe is the ultimate compromise. Sliced asparagus is mixed into creamy, rich pasta made with a trio of cheeses—sharp cheddar, Gruyere, and cream cheese.

19 of 22

20 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

One-Pot Pasta with Broccoli and Lemon

one pan pasta pot spoon
Credit: Bryan Gardner
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In less than 30 minutes, you can serve this easy, kid-friendly, vegetarian pasta recipe packed with healthy broccoli, bright lemon, sharp Parmesan cheese, and just a hint of garlic.

20 of 22

21 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

One-Pan Pasta

one-pan pasta
Credit: Marcus Nilsson
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Our all-star pasta recipe shines with the colors of the Italian flag—red pepper flakes and cherry tomatoes, green basil leaves, and lots of sliced onions, garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

21 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pappardelle with Creamy Chicken Sauce

med106560_0311_pasta_tagliate_fettuccine.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Kids will love just how thick these pappardelle noodles are, especially when they're coated in a garlicky heavy cream sauce and boneless, skinless chicken thighs.

22 of 22

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Kelly Vaughan

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 22
    2 of 22 Prosciutto Carbonara with Spinach
    3 of 22 Baked Rigatoni with Mini Meatballs
    4 of 22 Pea-Pesto Handkerchiefs
    5 of 22 Grandma's Bolognese
    6 of 22 Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato-Basil Sauce
    7 of 22 Test Kitchen's Favorite Spaghetti and Meatballs
    8 of 22 Bacon Pasta with Cheese Sauce and Thyme
    9 of 22 No-Bake Lasagna with Ricotta and Tomatoes
    10 of 22 Bucatini with Roasted and Fresh Tomatoes
    11 of 22 Chicken Bolognese with Tagliatelle
    12 of 22 One-Pot Penne with Zucchini and Parmesan
    13 of 22 Lasagna with Meat Sauce
    14 of 22 Shrimp Alfredo
    15 of 22 Orecchiette with Butternut Squash and Sage
    16 of 22 Cacio e Pepe with Lemon
    17 of 22 Tuxedo Bow-Tie Pasta with Shrimp
    18 of 22 Succotash Pasta
    19 of 22 Cheesy Asparagus Pasta
    20 of 22 One-Pot Pasta with Broccoli and Lemon
    21 of 22 One-Pan Pasta
    22 of 22 Pappardelle with Creamy Chicken Sauce

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    22 Kid-Friendly Pasta Recipes to Tempt Even the Pickiest Eaters
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.