Kids Pasta (v) Recipe

Boil pasta

Bring 2 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon salt. Add 8 oz cavatappi and stir immediately to prevent sticking. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente (check package time, typically 8–10 minutes). Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain pasta in a colander.

Prepare butter option

If serving with butter: Return the drained pasta to the pot off heat. Add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and 1 teaspoon olive oil. Toss gently until butter melts and coats the pasta. If mixture seems dry, add up to 1–2 tablespoons of reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired silky consistency is reached.

Prepare marinara option

If serving with marinara: Warm 1 cup marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low–medium heat until simmering gently, about 3–5 minutes. Add the drained pasta to the saucepan and toss to coat, adding up to 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta. Heat together 1–2 minutes until well combined.

Divide the pasta between plates or bowls. For either butter or marinara, sprinkle each portion with 2 teaspoons grated Parmesan, 1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil, and a light pinch (about 1/4 teaspoon) black pepper to taste. For extra gloss on butter pasta, drizzle 1/2 teaspoon olive oil over each portion.

Serve immediately while hot. Offer additional grated Parmesan or marinara on the side for picky eaters who want more or less sauce.