Kid's Pomodoro Pasta Recipe

Boil water and cook pasta

Pour 4 cups of water into a medium pot and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Add 1 tsp salt. Add 8 oz small pasta and stir to prevent sticking. Cook according to package time minus 1 minute for slightly firmer pasta (usually 7–10 minutes depending on shape).

Reserve 6 tablespoons of the starchy pasta cooking water before draining. Drain pasta in a colander and set aside.

Sauté aromatics

In a medium skillet or saucepan, warm 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup finely diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add 1 minced garlic clove and cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to brown the garlic.

Build the tomato base

Add the 15 oz crushed tomatoes (or passata) and 1 tsp tomato paste to the pan. Stir to combine with the aromatics. Add 1/4 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp dried basil, 1/4 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.

Simmer gently for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let flavors meld and to slightly thicken. If the sauce becomes too thick for little ones, stir in 1–2 tbsp of the reserved pasta water (or plain water) to reach a smooth, spoonable consistency.

Combine pasta and sauce

Return the drained pasta to the pot or place it in the skillet with the sauce. Add 1 tbsp unsalted butter and 2–3 tbsp reserved pasta water. Toss gently over low heat for 1–2 minutes until the butter melts and the sauce evenly coats the pasta. If needed, add more reserved pasta water, 1 tbsp at a time, to loosen the sauce.

Adjust seasoning and serve

Taste and adjust salt if needed. Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and gently mix until slightly melted into the sauce. Divide into 4 kid-sized portions (servings below). Garnish each plate with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan and chopped fresh basil leaves if using. For older children who like a kick, offer a pinch of red pepper flakes at the table.

Allow the pasta to cool a few minutes to a safe eating temperature for children before serving.