10 Unexpected Pasta Dinners
Boxed pasta is one of those pantry staples that we almost always have on hand. While the easy way to transform it into dinner is with a jar of spaghetti sauce, our inner foodies are on the search for something a bit more inspired. The following 10 recipes offer unexpected ways to transform that boring box of pasta into something worth getting excited about!
Thai Peanut Noodles
While the recipe calls for udon noodles (found in the Asian aisle of your grocery store, or in speciality shops), you can swap them out for spaghetti or fettucine in this Thai Peanut Noodle recipe that puts a carton of takeout to shame!
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
You can't go wrong with a recipe from Michelle Obama, especially since she found a way to sneak veggies into her kids' beloved mac and cheese!
Easy Chicken Noodle Soup
One of the best things about this easy Chicken Noodle Soup is that you can easily alter it according to what kind of pasta and veggies you have on hand.
Rainbow Pasta
Kids will love the bright medley of colors, while their parents will love the rich assortment of veggies in this quick and easy Rainbow Pasta.
Thirty-Minute Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake
This decadent, bubbly casserole can be ready in just 30 minutes and will likely provide you with leftovers for a few nights, too.
Chicken Lo Mein
Asian-inspired Chicken Lo Mein is both super easy and delicious. Follow the simple steps, and you'll have a healthy, kid-approved meal on the table in less than 30 minutes.
Cheesy Lasagna Rolls
Instead of layering lasagna in the traditional style, try a reinvented version by rolling the noodles around a cheesy filling. Check out the easy and fun-to-eat lasagna roll recipe from POPSUGAR Food.
Pumpkin Parmesan Pasta
Bake pasta and that Fall favorite — pumpkin — together in a main dish that's full of flavor and just a bit cheesy. And the ease of this recipe makes it a great opportunity to get your kitchen-curious kiddo involved in making his own meal (or at least helping out).
Macaroni and Cheese Soup
What could be more appealing to kids than macaroni and cheese soup? Add some roasted tomatoes on top if you want to up the gourmet factor. The best part about this soup: it's even better when reheated!
Set Up a DIY Pasta Bar
When we came across our friends at POPSUGAR Food's genius idea for a Pasta Party, we knew right away that the concept would be a guaranteed kid-pleaser. Check out their plan, then scale it down to kiddie-size, and simplify the steps for an easy and fun family dinner (one that incidentally also uses up plenty of pantry and fridge leftovers!).