Noodles Recipe

Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a medium pot. Add 1 tsp salt to the boiling water.

Add 8 oz of your chosen pasta (penne, bowtie, fettuccine or linguini) and stir to separate. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente — usually 8–11 minutes depending on shape (check package for exact time).

Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Return the drained pasta to the empty warm pot over low heat. Add 2 tbs unsalted butter and toss until melted and pasta is evenly coated, 30–60 seconds.

If needed, add 1–2 tbsp of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Stir in 2 tsp grated parmesan (optional) and a pinch of black pepper. Serve warm.

In a small saucepan, warm 1 tsp olive oil over medium-low heat. Add 1 cup store-bought marinara and heat gently until simmering, about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the drained pasta to the saucepan and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add up to 2 tbs reserved pasta water to reach a kid-friendly consistency. Tear and stir in basil leaves if using. Serve warm.

In a small skillet, heat 1 tbs olive oil over medium-low heat. Add 1 tsp minced garlic and cook 20–30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.

Stir in 1 tsp tomato paste and cook 30 seconds to remove raw flavor. Add 2 tbs heavy cream and 1 tbs grated parmesan; stir until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 1–2 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt.

Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If needed, add 1–2 tbs reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Serve warm.

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 1 tbs unsalted butter. Add 1 tbs heavy cream and warm gently, stirring to combine.

Stir in 2 tbs grated parmesan until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and a pinch of black pepper. If the sauce is too thick, whisk in 1–2 tbs reserved pasta water.

Add drained pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. Serve warm.

Portion pasta into kid-sized bowls. Sprinkle optional chopped parsley or a light pinch of red pepper flakes if desired (omit for very young children).

Serve immediately while warm. Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days.