Kids Pasta Recipe
Make Kids Pasta Recipe in just 25m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Pasta & Cooking
Sauce & Mix-ins
Seasoning & Garnish
Method
Pasta & Cooking
- 1
Boil water and cook pasta
Pour 6 cups of water into a medium saucepan and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Add 1 tsp salt. Add 2 cups small pasta shapes and stir. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, following package time for al dente (typically 7–9 minutes). If using frozen peas, add them to the pot for the last 2 minutes of cooking so they thaw and cook through.
- 2
Drain and finish with butter
When pasta is cooked, reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking water, then drain pasta in a colander. Return drained pasta to the warm saucepan off the heat. Add 2 tbs unsalted butter and gently toss so butter melts and coats the pasta. If pasta looks very dry, add 1–2 tbs of the reserved cooking water to loosen it.
Sauce & Mix-ins
- 3
Warm and combine sauce
In a small saucepan or skillet over low-medium heat, combine 1 cup mild tomato pasta sauce and 1/2 cup milk. Warm gently, stirring until slightly steaming but not boiling (about 2–3 minutes). Stir in 1 cup grated mild cheddar until melted and smooth to make a creamy, kid-friendly sauce. If sauce is too thick, add up to 2 tbs reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- 4
Add vegetables (optional)
If using 1/2 cup frozen peas and/or 1/4 cup finely grated carrot, stir them into the warm sauce so they heat through and soften (about 1–2 minutes). The carrot will soften in the sauce; if you prefer softer carrot, briefly sauté grated carrot in 1 tbs butter for 1–2 minutes before adding the sauce.
- 5
Combine pasta and sauce
Pour the warm sauce mixture over the buttered pasta in the saucepan. Toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated. If mixture seems dry, add 1–2 tbs reserved pasta water at a time until the desired creaminess is reached.
Seasoning & Garnish
- 6
Season to taste
Stir in 1/4 tsp black pepper and 1/2 tsp dried oregano. Taste and adjust seasoning gently — for kids keep flavors mild. If desired, stir in 2 tbs grated parmesan or extra cheddar for cheesier flavor.
- 7
Serve
Divide pasta into 4 small kid-sized portions. Let cool for a few minutes so it is warm but not hot. Sprinkle a little extra grated cheese on top if desired and serve with a small side of fruit or steamed veggies.