As the age-old saying goes: kids cannot live on buttered noodles alone. Well, not if you can help it. That’s why we’ve combed through oodles of kid friendly pasta recipes so you can keep your carb-loving crowd happy and mix up your dinner routine. Get the water boiling, and check out 50+ recipes that put a new twist on classic pasta. If you’re looking for something a little cozier, be sure to bookmark some of our favorite slow cooker recipes or sheet pan dinners.

Slow Cooker 12-Layer Lasagna

slow cooker lasagna is an easy pasta recipe
Weelicious

Catherine McCord of Weelicious is a wealth of information when it comes to kid friendly pasta recipes. Her slow cooker 12-layer lasagna exemplifies her ability to come up with tasty dishes that will please the picky palate and the busy mom. This pasta recipe is a must-make for any parent pressed on time and with hungry stomachs lying in wait. 

 

Instant Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta Recipe

This kid friendly pasta recipe from Eating in an Instant is so easy to make, and you can adapt it to your family’s taste preferences.

Thai Chicken Pasta Salad

Thai chicken pasta salad recipe
I Wash You Dry

This pasta salad from I Wash You Dry calls for ramen noodles and rotisserie chicken—extra easy!—and sports crisp veggies and a flavorful sauce. 

Butternut Squash & Bacon Pasta

Dinner at the Zoo

The secret to this kid friendly pasta recipe from Dinner at the Zoo? Creamy butternut squash sauce and a smattering of bacon. It’s a hearty dish that your family will go gaga over. 

 

One Pot Tomato Chicken Pasta

this one pot tomato chicken pasta is a kid friendly pasta recipe
Sweet Potato Chronicles

The phrase “one pot meal” is music to our ears, and this delish dish is no exception. With cheese, chicken, and mushrooms, we’re pretty sure this one will be an instant hit in your house. To grab the recipe, click here.

Sesame Soy Noodle Bowl

Life Made Simple

Mix it up on pasta night with a bowl of sesame soy noodles. Not only can this dish be made in a snap, but it also only calls for a few simple (but tasty) ingredients and can be served hot or cold. Plus, you’ll love the leftovers. For the recipe, head on over to Life Made Simple.

Marinara Soup

The Seasoned Mom

Did you know that a jar of marinara sauce can turn into a comforting bowl of vegetarian soup in about 20 minutes? It’s better than any magic trick and the best way to turn a chilly weeknight into a warm and toasty good time. Even better: You probably have all the ingredients right now. Get the recipe from The Seasoned Mom.

Related: 13 Instant Pot Freezer Meals For Busy Nights

Spaghetti and Meatball Soup

Damn Delicious

The genius of this idea from Damn Delicious is that it takes your favorite pasta dish and turns it into an irresistible creamy soup. All it takes is 20 minutes to make, and you can always use store-bought meatballs. 

One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

This one’s a winner! Courtesy of Table for Two, this recipe only takes 25 minutes and one pot to make. Plus, it’s like a cheeseburger in pasta form and guaranteed to be a kid hit.

Broccoli Pasta Bake

A Taste of Madness

Say cheese! Not only does this pasta bake from A Taste of Madness sneak some green stuff into your kiddo’s diet, but it also uses ingredients you probably have on hand.

Salmon with Creamy Lemon Spaghetti

Kitchen Sanctuary

Love lemon and salmon? Kitchen Sanctuary combines those divine flavors into a quick and easy meal! Tangy and refreshing, it even includes some sugar snap peas for an added health kick.

 

Ham and Cheese Pasta Rollup Gratin

The View from Great Island

Get your hands on fresh pasta sheets (you can usually find them in the refrigerator section of your grocery store) and whip up these creative pasta rollups from The View from Great Island. Add your favorite deli meat and top everything off with a cheesy gratin! 

 

Kid Friendly Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Shrimp scampi is a favorite with kids and this easy version from Tastes Better from Scratch uses three or four basic ingredients. Our only edit is to skip the parmesan cheese at the end.

One Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Honey and Birch

Give your pasta a buffalo twist with a little help from Honey and Birch. This dish sports tangy buffalo sauce and can easily be customized to suit your family’s tastes. 

Related: 18 Easy One-Pot Dinners Perfect for Busy Weeknights

Creamy Parmesan Orzo

orzo pasta recipes are good for families
Life Made Simple

You’d better bookmark this recipe from Life Made Simple because we guarantee it’s the orzo of your dreams. Creamy, garlic-y, and made in 30 minutes, it’s gonna be your new go-to pasta. 

 

One-Pot Black Bean Enchilada Pasta

Savory Nothings

Pressed for time? This recipe from Savory Nothings only requires a little bit of time and one pot—but the results are oh-so-tasty. It’s the perfect way to spice up Taco Tuesday! 

 

Pasta with Cream and Ham

this pasta with cream and ham is a kid friendly pasta recipe
Travel for Taste

Instead of plain buttered pasta, go for this super simple recipe that comes together in just 20 minutes. Find out how it’s done by clicking here.

Pasta with Peas and Bacon

kid friendly pasta recipe with peas and bacon
iStock

Go back to basics with a tried-and-true, kid-approved recipe. For those nights when the tots are fussing, and the clock is ticking, you can’t go wrong with this 30-minute meal. To see the full recipe, click here.

Related: Soup, Stew & Chili Recipes to Warm You Up This Winter

Pasta Jambalaya

jambalaya pasta is a kid friendly pasta recipe
iStock

This yummy take on the classic jambalaya packs an extra punch of healthiness with the addition of veggie puree. Even picky kiddos will love noshing on the yummy sausage and shrimp. Click here to get the recipe.

Pasta al Pastore

This comforting dish comes together in a flash using just five ingredients. Flavorful Italian sausage and ricotta cheese are the stars of the show. Get the full recipe by clicking here.

Pasta Carbonara

spaghetti carbonara is a kid friendly pasta recipe
Bruna Branco via Unsplash

Bacon, eggs, and parmesan cheese—what more could you need? Keep things simple with a delicious bowl of pasta carbonara. Find out how it’s done by clicking here.

Pesto Chicken Pasta

pesto chicken pasta is a kid friendly pasta recipe
Leelalicious

Our kiddos go crazy for pesto, and this yummy recipe is a weeknight savior—the addition of chicken breast makes it a filling but quick meal. To find out how it’s done, click here.

Skillet Lasagna

Our Family Eats

Have you ever read the list of ingredients on one of those “helper” boxes? We can honestly say that we don’t know what half of those words mean. That’s not the case here. This skillet lasagna, which comes to us from Our Family Eats, is full of wholesome, nutritious ingredients that come together to create a creamy, comforting plate of deliciousness. 

Baked Ravioli

baked ravioli is a great pasta recipe for families
iStock

Give your ravioli a flavor boost with a heaping of yummy meat sauce. After making the ravioli and pasta sauce like you normally would, stick everything in the oven in a baking dish. The outcome is a tasty twist on your traditional ravioli dish. Get the recipe here.

Related: 50+ Slow Cooker Recipes We’re Obsessed With

Kid Friendly Beef Stroganoff

Does anything scream comfort food more than Beef Stroganoff? We don’t think so, and This Mom’s Kitchen has an easy version that you can make in both an Instant Pot or as a stovetop one-pot pasta meal.

Mac and Cheese

iStock

You'll never go back to boxed mac and cheese again, thanks to Joy, Food, Sunshine. This kid friendly pasta recipe features sharp cheddar, but you can use a combination of cheeses for a more rich flavor. After one bite of this dish, you'll be hooked.

Baked Ziti

easy baked ziti is one of the best kid friendly pasta recipes
Shutterstock

If your kids love Italian food as much as ours do, then this baked ziti pasta recipe is sure to be a hit. Think of it like a lasagna but with more cheese and more creamy goodness. This is a great dish to make in advance and bake when needed. Get the recipe here.

 

Instant Pot Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Bacon, ranch, and pasta? Made in an Instant Pot? All of our favorite flavors come together in this quick and kid-friendly pasta recipe from Meatloaf and Melodrama that you’ll want to bookmark immediately.

One Pot Wonder: Tomato Basil Pasta

tomato basil pasta is an easy dinner idea
iStock

It’s no wonder this one-pot pasta recipe won us over. Who wouldn’t want an awesome pasta dish that only gets one pot dirty? Bonus: It's got kid-friendly ingredients and isn't too fancy. Get the details here. 

 

Pasta Primavera

pasta primavera is a classic pasta recipe

Sometimes nothing hits the spot more than a no-frills vegetable pasta dish. We like that the veggies can always be switched out for whatever you have on hand. Served hot or cold, this pasta recipe is delicious either way. Get the recipe here. 

 

One-pot meals come together easily and are ideal for quick family meals

Quick and delicious weeknight dinners plus easy cleanup? Yes, please. The fewer dishes to clean during the week, the better—which is why easy one-pot meals really hit the spot. Below, we’ve rounded up some amazing one-pot dinners that come together quickly, and our list includes everything from one-pot pasta recipes to stir-fries and soups. Get ready to break out your Dutch oven or your Instant Pots! 

One-Pot Baked Potato Soup

When it comes to one-pot meals, soup is a classic (and a kid favorite). This potato soup from Sweet and Savory Meals has all the good things like bacon, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and green onions. Even better, it can be made in an Instant Pot. If you’d rather take your time, check out her slow cooker version here

Easy One-Pot Baked Chicken and Rice Pilaf

Juicy chicken thighs and tasty rice come together in this easy one-pot meal that’s perfect for a Sunday dinner. Get the recipe from The Wooden Skillet.

One-Pan Pork Chops with Apples and Onions

This one-pan pork chop recipe from The Chunky Chef is lighter and healthier than a lot of pork chop recipes out there, and it doesn’t skimp on flavor. Even better, it comes together in 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal idea.

Beef Stir Fry

Beef stir fry is an easy one pot meal for families
Spend with Pennies

You can’t go wrong with a lightning-fast stir fry, and this version from Spend with Pennies is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Everything cooks together in one pan, you can adapt ingredients depending on your family's preferences, and the flavorful soy-based sauce is light but delicious. 

Greek Dutch Oven Roast Chicken

dutch oven roast chicken one-pot dinner recipe
The Greek Foodie

Sunday dinner just got even better thanks to this drool-worthy recipe from The Greek Foodie A whole roast chicken might sound like a daunting project, but it’s an easy one-pot meal to pull together. Plus, since there are potatoes at the bottom of the pot to catch all the chicken juices, you don’t need to worry about making separate sides. 

Chicken Parmesan Pasta

An easy one pot meal is this chicken parmesan pasta
Erin Lives Whole

We’re always craving chicken parmesan, but it’s a ton of work to make the traditional version with breaded cutlets. That’s why we love this recipe from Erin Lives Whole—you get all those delicious flavors with a fraction of the effort. 

Veggie Pasta One Pot Wonder

This veggie pasta recipe is an easy one pot meal
Apron Strings

It makes sense that if you cook pasta in water, you can switch out the water for stock, add chopped tomatoes, onion, garlic, and spices and the pasta will cook just as well with the bonus of a self-made sauce. That's what's going in this super simple veggie pasta dish featured in our archives. Garnish with grated cheese, and dinner's done.

Crock Pot Sweet Pork

crock pot sweet pork one-pot dinner
Our Table for Seven

If you don't have a Crock Pot, this sweet pork recipe from our archives might be the incentive you need to get one. With three simple ingredients in one pot, it works great when you've been raced off your feet and want an easy dinner option. Plus, it makes great leftovers. Serve with salsa and salad, and you're done.

Skillet Steak and Potatoes

skillet steak and potatoes is an easy one pot meal
Carlsbad Cravings

Steak and potatoes are a staple almost everyone (even picky eaters) will like, and this version from Carlsbad Cravings comes together in just 30 minutes. Plus, the garlic herb butter gives it something special. Serve with your kids' favorite veggies and you'll have a hearty and easy one-pot dinner.

 

Related: 19 One-Pot Pasta Recipes That Keep Dirty Dishes to a Minimum

Mexican Chicken and Rice

This Mexican chicken and rice is an easy one pot meal
Erin at Well Plated

Here's an easy one-pot dinner you can make with pantry staples. The dish from Well Plated uses canned black beans, canned diced tomatoes, and brown rice. You'll also need some fresh veggies, but the recipe is super versatile so use what you have. Skip the jalapeño if that's too much for the little ones, and top with shredded cheese, avocado, salsa, and sour cream for a perfect weeknight dinner.

Lemony Greek Chicken

Boulder Locavore

A dish of braised chicken thighs that takes little effort and includes sautéed onions and potatoes must be one of the best ways to end a long day. The only fiddly bit is flipping the meat when you sear it at the beginning, the rest is easy as pie. The recipe from Boulder Locavore has a Greek twist with feta and olives but you can always switch out the olives for raisins if you think the kids will prefer a sweeter taste.

Baked Risotto

My Little Larder

Risotto doesn't have to mean you are tied to a hot stove while the kids chant about how hungry they are. With baked risotto, you can do 10 minutes of prep and get the same big pot of comforting gooey rice for dinner with less than half the effort. Head over to My Little Larder for this recipe where you just have to check and stir every ten to fifteen minutes. Open to lots of variations, just serve with some grated cheese and you've got an easy one-pot family dinner.

Quick One Pot Beef Stew

NerdyMamma

It's hard to beat a hearty and comforting beef stew and this dish from NerdyMamma is a real crowd-pleaser. The ground beef is browned with fresh or canned veggies and mixed with tomato sauce for a quick weekday dinner in one pot. Head to NerdyMamma for the recipe and serve with crackers or cornbread.

One-Pot Coconut Chicken and Rice

One Lovely Life

A simple recipe bursting with flavor makes for one delicious dish, courtesy of Emily over at One Lovely Life. In under 30 minutes, you'll have a chicken and rice dish your family will be begging you to make at least once a week.  

One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken

Cream, garlic, and chicken all come together in this savory and easy one-pot meal that’s guaranteed to delight everyone in your home. If you’ve got kids who don’t love sauce, set aside a piece of chicken and serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Get the recipe from Carlsbad Cravings.

30-Minute Shrimp, Peas, and Rice

A 30-minute easy-one pot meal that requires zero chopping, tastes great, and can be doubled for larger families? Yes, please! This shrimp meal from Skinny Taste will be an immediate favorite.

Dinner can be a challenge, but with these make-ahead meals to keep in the freezer, you’ll always have something delicious on deck!

Whip out your weekly meal planner, it’s time to get prepping! We know firsthand how busy life gets, whether you’re dealing with busy school nights or trapped under a baby for multiple daily naps. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get a handle on your daily dinners. With some meal prep and a few well-crafted make-ahead meals, you’ll be serving up great food in no time. If you’re looking for more inspo when it comes to quick dinners, check out these one-pot meals and these recipes that take 30 minutes or less.

Honey Sesame Chicken

This delicious dinner can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer. When you're ready, defrost and toss into the slow cooker. Service with rice and broccoli and dinner is done. 

One-Pot Sausage and Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

one-pot pasta is an easy make-ahead meal
Budget Bytes

Perfect for meal prepping for a week's worth of lunches, Budget Bytes' One Pot Sausage and Sun Dried Tomato Pasta is a meal even your picky eaters will enjoy. From the savory sausage to the sweet sun-dried tomatoes, this beautifully colored dish is made using just one pan and makes tons of leftovers.

Easy Crock Pot Sloppy Joes

crock pot sloppy joes are an easy make-ahead meal
Yummy Healthy Easy

The classic American dish has never been easier than with Yummy Healthy Easy's recipe for Sloppy Joe's. Add browned meat and spices to a crockpot before heading out for school pickup, after-school sports, or weekend activities, and return home to a hot dinner with minimal effort.

Related: Bun in the Oven: Make-Ahead Freezer Meals for Moms-to-Be

20-Minute Tuscan Pasta

20-minute pasta is a good make-ahead meal
Six Sisters' Stuff

A creamy pasta that easily camouflages vegetables, Six Sisters' Stuff recipe for 20-Minute Tuscan Pasta is an easy choice for meal prep. Make the full recipe and save half for the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy, take out and allow to thaw in the fridge for 24 hours then reheat for 30 minutes in the oven. Dinner is served!

Pesto Chicken Pizza Rolls

The Lean Green Bean

Chicken+pizza does a happy child make! These Pesto Chicken Pizza Rolls from the Lean Green Bean are not only awesome looking, but they are great to make in a big batch and serve all week for snacks or lunch. Enjoy reheated or cold, they'll make any hungry little happy.

Hawaiian Sweet Roll Sliders

Hawaiian Sweet Roll Sliders are an easy make-ahead meal
Make-Ahead Meal Mom

Perfect for the freezer, these mini sandwiches from Make-Ahead Mom are made with sweet buns for an extra punch of flavor. Topped with a savory sauce, they heat up to melty goodness in the oven straight from the freezer, and are great for lunches, appetizers, and tailgating!

Related: 13 Big-Batch Recipes That Will Last All Week

Crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad

Gimme Some Oven

We know, kiddos usually shy away from salads but this fresh meal from Gimme Some Oven is perfect for warm nights. We can't help but think they'll love throwing this together ahead of time and tossing in the canned mandarin oranges, edamame, and crunchy ramen.

Breakfast Burritos

Inquiring Chef

There’s nothing better than breakfast for dinner! Whip up a batch of these freezer-friendly burritos from Inquiring Chef, then heat them up any time of the day for a super satisfying meal. Best of all, you can heat them up straight from the freezer, making them the perfect choice for busy weeknights.

Beef Stew

a good make-ahead meal is beef stew.
Pinch of Yum

This freezer meal from Pinch of Yum is the ultimate in comfort food, with hearty chunks of beef, plenty of carrots and celery and luscious tomato-based gravy. If you have an Instant Pot, this is a great time to use it (it’ll be ready in 45 minutes flat!), but there are also instructions to make it in a slow cooker.

Crustless Quiche with Bacon, Broccoli and Cheddar

This Farm Girl Cooks

Everyone loves a good quiche, and this one from This Farm Girl Cooks is a make-ahead dream. It reheats well in the microwave after it’s been cooled, or you can freeze the uncooked egg mixture and thaw it when you’re ready to bake. Any way you slice it, it’s bound to be an instant favorite.

Thai Peanut Noodle Salad

make ahead dinners
Vanilla and Bean

If your kids balk at the idea of salad, then this colorful Thai-inspired dish from Vanilla and Beanjust might get them to give it a try. It’s filled with veggies, rice noodles and a tangy, garlicky peanut lime sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Best of all, it keeps well for days to come.

Related: 10 Make-Ahead Breakfast Recipes for Kids to Simplify Your Mornings

Leftover Chicken Flatbread Pizza

A Taste of Madness

Give leftover rotisserie chicken an upgrade with the perfect kid-pleaser: pizza! This idea from A Taste of Madness is super easy and a great option for your weekly meal prep.

Freezer Croissant Breakfast Sandwiches

make ahead breakfast croissant
Damn Delicious

All hail Damn Delicious and this idea for freezer breakfast sandwiches. They do their name justice (hello, easy breakfast!) but also work as a quick and quirky lunch or dinner. The kids can even help assemble the ingredients!

Big Batch Chinese Beef

Kitchen Sanctuary

Put down the takeout menu! Thanks to Kitchen Sanctuary, we’ve got something much better for your hungry family. This beef dish is great for a crowd and can be used with your slow cooker. (Bonus points if you add bok choy or another green veggie!)

Make Ahead Macaroni and Cheese

make ahead mac and cheese
Kristine's Kitchen

You can never have too many mac and cheese recipes! We’re digging this one from Kristine’s Kitchen because it’s a snap to make and you can refrigerate it up to two days before baking. It's a cheesy win-win!

One-Pot Black Bean Fajita Pasta

make ahead dinners
Sweet Peas and Saffron

Psst! Not only is this a one-pot dish from Sweet Peas and Saffron bursting with flavor, but it can also be assembled ahead of time and frozen! So when a crazy weeknight hits, all you have to do is place everything in a pot and get cooking.

Make-Ahead Spaghetti

make-ahead spaghetti
Kitchen Sanctuary

Cooking for a crowd? Need a quick meal on a chaotic weeknight? This spaghetti, courtesy of Kitchen Sanctuary, is the answer! It’s über flavorful and can even be frozen. Plus, it’s full of veggies and crispy bacon.

5-Ingredient Pizza Bagel Bites

make ahead dinners
Life Made Simple

Bagel bites and kids go together like cheese and pepperoni, which means you’ve got to try this idea from Life Made Simple. Way better than store-bought, these pizza bagel bites are customizable, freezable, and a cinch to make.

Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

make ahead dinners
Dinner at the Zoo

Fish gotta swim, birds gotta fly, and sometimes families gotta have mashed potatoes. That’s where this casserole from Dinner at the Zoo comes in. It’s loaded with wow factor (a.k.a. bacon, cheese, sour cream, and chives), but easy to make for any holiday or weeknight.

Related: 12 Superfood Recipes That’ll Help Keep Kids Healthy

Baked Italian Meatballs

make ahead dinners
Thriving Home

We love these meatballs from Thriving Home Blog, which are baked, delicious and the best thing to happen to your freezer in a long time. Add them to your spaghetti, make a sandwich or just eat ‘em straight for a perfect weeknight meal.

Homemade Frozen Pizza

Love & Olive Oil

You know those store-bought frozen pizzas that you keep around for supper emergencies? Well, this homemade version from Love and Olive Oil is so much better! With tons of customization options and homemade flavor, these make-ahead pizzas are sure to please the whole family.

Chicken & Veggie Pasta Casserole

Jo Cooks

The beauty of this chicken and veggie pasta casserole from Jo Cooks is that it makes a bonanza amount of food and gives kids a good dose of veggies, too. Reinvent the leftovers during the week or freeze a portion and save for later!

Chicken (Minus the Noodles) Soup

Mrs. Schwartz's Kitchen

For all the times you need comfort food in a pinch, this chicken soup from Mrs. Schwartz’s Kitchen has you covered. Freeze the stock mixture, add the noodles when you’re ready to eat, and voila—dinner is served! 

Homemade Fish Sticks

make ahead dinners
Katy She Cooks

As everyone knows, there are plenty of fish sticks in the sea—or at least there are plenty of homemade fish sticks in the freezer, thanks to Katy She Cooks. Bonus: This recipe is way healthier than what you'll find in the frozen food aisle.

Related: 18 Comfort Food Recipes to Get You Through the Winter

Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells

spinach and stuffed cheese shells is a popular make ahead meal
Kristine's Kitchen Blog

Here’s an updated tongue twister for you: She eats stuffed shells on busy school nights. You can make it happen, with the help of Kristine’s Kitchen Blog. (Psst! You can even lighten them up with cottage cheese.)

Mini Meatloaf Muffins

Our Family Eats

Let’s face it, kids love kid-size food—and these mini meatloaf muffins from Our Family Eats are no exception. Not only are they packed with protein and vegetables, but they can also be frozen for about two months. We promise, your minis will love them.

Tortellini, Spinach, and Black Bean Soup

How To: Simplify

You've got to bookmark this hearty tortellini, spinach, and black bean soup from How To: Simplify. It's a great thing to have on hand for the mid-week rush, and it offers a tasty way to scarf up spinach.

Garden Vegetable Lasagna

make ahead meals
Tastes Lovely

Load up on your veggies with this delish lasagna from Tastes Lovely! The cheesy layers are a total kid-pleaser—and they make great camouflage for the green stuff.

Mac and Cheese with Sneaky Sweet Potato

Thriving Home Blog

Who doesn’t love mac and cheese? Especially when it’s healthy, delicious, and freezable? This Thriving Home recipe involves Greek yogurt and sweet potato, among other ingredients. We guarantee the kiddos will want seconds!

Easy Tomato Soup with Roasted Bell Peppers

make ahead meals
Julia Kicova on Unsplash

This make-ahead meal combines simple ingredients to make a truly magical soup—not a bad kitchen lesson for your little chefs! It’s easy to whip up and freezes beautifully so you can slurp it up any day of the week. Get the recipe here.

Chicken Pot Hand Pies

Two Healthy Kitchens

How cute are these hand pies from Two Healthy Kitchens? They’ve got all the tastiness of chicken pot pie (hello, flavorful veggies, tender chicken, and thyme crust!) but are totally kid-sized. 

 

When in doubt, eat more veggies! We’re always looking for ways to incorporate more vegetables and whole foods into our diet, so we’ve rounded up all of our favorite easy plant-based recipes that also happen to be totally kid-friendly. Read on for serious dinner inspiration, whether you’re a full-on vegetarian or just looking to decrease your meat consumption.

Vegetarian Fried Rice

Slow Sundays

When the fridge is looking bare, there’s no better dinner than this tasty vegetarian fried rice from Slow Sundays. You’ll get to use up leftover rice along with whatever veggies you’ve got on hand. To grab the recipe, click here.

Vegetarian Chili

What’s for Dinner?

If you’re trying to incorporate more meatless meals into your diet, this chili from What’s for Dinner? is a great bet. With a dish this delicious, your family won’t even notice that there’s no meat on the table. Click here to get the recipe.

Garlicky Peanut Soba Noodles with Roasted Broccoli

My Kitchen Love

We’re not sure what we love more about this recipe from My Kitchen Love: the garlicky, sweet, savory peanut sauce or the perfectly charred roasted broccoli. One bite and chances are you’ll fall in love too. To snag the recipe, click here.

Quinoa and Black Bean Wraps with Hummus

The Wimpy Vegetarian

These easy wraps from The Wimpy Vegetarian make a delicious lunch or dinner, and they pack in a good bit of protein thanks to the quinoa, beans and hummus. That means you’ll stay full for hours—no snacks needed! Get the recipe by clicking here.

Balsamic Roasted Vegetable Pasta

The Vegan Year

Sometimes the simplest recipes are the most delicious, and that’s definitely true for this dish from The Vegan Year. You’ll have a healthy and hearty meal on the table in no time. To get the recipe, click here.

Squash Risotto with Roasted Kale

Kerry Alteiro

For a warming and healthy meal, you can’t go wrong with this delish risotto by Kerry Alteiro. Roasted kale offers a crunchy contrast to the richness of the risotto. Click here to grab the recipe.

Crispy Cauliflower and Potato Tacos

Veggies Don’t Bite

We’re obsessed with these tacos from Veggies Don’t Bite, and we’re pretty sure your crew will feel the same way. The cauliflower and potatoes are baked to crispy perfection, and the tacos are finished off with a tangy dill crema. Get the recipe by clicking here.

Chickpea and Rosemary Soup

jules via flickr

Everybody loves a cozy bowl of soup, and this chickpea and rosemary concoction from Little Yumminess is no exception. It’s super quick to throw together but is “fancy” enough to make a weeknight dinner extra special. Click here to get the recipe.

Sweet Potato Enchiladas

jeffreyw via flickr

Everybody loves enchiladas, and you’ll feel good serving this version from Herb on Herbs since they’re filled with healthy sweet potatoes and black beans. To grab the recipe, click here.

Baked Spaghetti Lasagna

lrmiuz via flickr

Spaghetti meets lasagna in this crazy but delicious dish from Sweet Pea Chef. Noodles are layered with ricotta, broccoli and plenty of cheese. Drooling yet? Click here to get the recipe.

Chiles Rellenos Breakfast Strata

Kitchen Treaty

Breakfast for dinner, anyone? This strata from Kitchen Treaty is delicious any time of the day. It’s filled with eggs, cheese, bread and mild green chiles—yum! Get the recipe by clicking here.

Black Bean Burgers

AJ Bombers via flickr

Vegetarians don’t have to miss out on barbecues! Whip up a batch of these black bean burgers from Our Family Eats and you’ll have the perfect meal for a summer night. Click here to snag the recipe.

Spaghetti Sauce with Hidden Veggies

panuhorsmalahti via flickr

Get some extra nutrients into your meal with our sneaky spaghetti sauce recipe. The recipe includes hidden spinach, carrots and mushrooms, and pairs perfectly with a big pile of pasta. Get the recipe by clicking here.

Healthy Nachos

You Totally Got This

For an easy weeknight meal, you can’t go wrong with these healthy nachos from You Totally Got This. You can customize the toppings to your family’s taste, but we love them with corn, black beans and avocado. Click here to get the details.

Broccoli Cheddar Risotto

Savory Tooth

Cheese and broccoli go together like peanut butter and jelly, which is why we love this risotto from Savory Tooth. Plus, unlike many risotto recipes, this one doesn’t require constant stirring (hooray!). To get the recipe, click here.

Veggie Pasta Bake

Need a comfort food fix? This veggie pasta bake will totally fit the bill. It’s filled with warming marinara sauce, cheese and pasta along with mushrooms and peppers. Click here to grab the recipe.

Vegetable Shakshuka

This dish is a favorite in North Africa and the Middle East, and we’re willing to bet your crew will love it too. Eggs are gently cooked in a spiced tomato mixture, and the end result is a yummy one-skillet dish that goes great with a hunk of crusty bread. Click here to get the recipe.

Open-Face Fried Egg Sandwich with Pesto & Avocado

Jen Silverstein/Red Tricycle

For those nights when you just don’t feel like making dinner, keep this recipe in your back pocket. Layered with pesto, cheese, avocado and eggs, it’ll be on the table in less than 20 minutes. Get the recipe by clicking here.

One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta

Apron Strings

One-pot meals are our favorite, and this recipe from Apron Strings is one of the best. It’s filled with yummy ingredients like tomatoes, garlic and basil, and it all comes together in less than half an hour. To get the recipe, click here.

Vegetarian Meatloaf

The Last Cookie via flickr

Imitation meat can be a little iffy sometimes—but this version of veggie meatloaf from The Family Chef is a real winner. It’s made with lentils and rice, and also has ground nuts to help replicate the texture of meat. Get the recipe by clicking here.

—Susie Foresman

 

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Even the best chefs get a little assistance in the kitchen sometimes! Involving kids in the cooking process is a great way to get them interested in exploring new foods, flavors and textures (Plus, it’s fun bonding time!). We’ve got five super delish, totally simple recipes that are perfect for you to whip up with your little helper. Grab your aprons, grab your mini sous chef and get cooking!

photo: Apron Strings

1. One Pot Tomato Basil Pasta
If you’re looking for a quick no-fuss meal, this one-pot pasta recipe is the definition of easy! Best of all, since you just need to dump everything into one pot and let it cook, there’s time for a quick story or snuggle while you wait for dinner. Check out the recipe right here.

What the Kids Can Do: Little kitchen helpers can pick basil from the stem and tear the leaves, pour all of the ingredients into the pot and garnish the dish with parmesan when it’s done.

photo: GI 365

2. Honey Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry
This simple stir-fry from Kari of GI 365 is big on flavor and comes together in less than 30 minutes. You can substitute any protein that you like in place of the chicken, or switch it up with any veggies that need to be used up in the fridge. This one is sure to be a hit with everyone in the family! You can find everything you need here.

What the Kids Can Do: They can whisk the sauce, peel the broccoli or crush the garlic in a garlic press.

photo: Amazing Almonds

3. Crispy Parmesan-Crusted Fish
You’ll never reach for a box of frozen fish sticks again once you see how fast you can make these yummy fish fillets with a crunchy parmesan and panko crust, courtesy of !Hola! Jalapeno.

What the Kids Can Do: Mini chefs can jump right in by squeezing the lemon, seasoning the fish by sprinkling it with salt, mixing the panko and parmesan and helping to coat the fish. Get started with the recipe by clicking here.

photo: Gabriel Bergin via Flickr

4. Grilled Flank Steak with Rosemary
Grilled flank steak in three easy steps sounds like a dinner dream come true! With the addition of this sweet and savory marinade, you’ll have a fast summer meal that everyone will cheer for. Click here for the recipe.

What the Kids Can Do: Your sous chef can help with dinner prep by picking the rosemary from the stem, stirring up the ingredients for the honey-spiked marinade or mixing the steak and marinade in a Ziploc bag.

photo by Dairy Made Easy

5. Baked Roasted Veggie Pasta
Packed with colorful veggies and topped with tangy feta cheese, this delicious pasta dish from the cookbook Dairy Made Easy is a treat for the eyes as well as hungry tummies! Check out the full recipe here.

What the Kids Can Do: Little fingers can help out by washing the tomatoes in a colander, tossing the veggies with olive oil, tearing basil leaves or crumbling the cheese on top.

Do you plan to try any of these recipes? What are your best tips for having kids help in the kitchen? Let us know in the comments below!

—Anna Doogan

A quick and easy veggie pasta salad that is perfect for a BBQ side dish or a light and refreshing main meal. Gluten free, but tastes great even the next day!

Serves: 4

Ingredients:
1 package your favorite pasta (we use the TruRoots Gluten Free pasta)
1 cup broccoli
½ red bell pepper
½ green bell pepper
½ red onion
½ yellow squash
½ zucchini
a drizzle of your favorite olive oil, I used both basil infused and lemon pepper infused olive oil by Round Pond (optional, omit if you are avoiding oil)-see note
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
lemon pepper and Himalayan pink salt to taste

A note from the chef: If you want the infused olive oil taste but don’t have the infused olive oil you can combine regular olive oil and a squeeze of lemon and/or chop some basil up and add it to the salad. Any pasta will work but beware of many gluten free pastas because they aren’t as good if not served fresh.

Method:
1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, wash and chop veggies.

2. Add chopped veggies to a large bowl. Once the pasta is done, drain with a pasta strainer and put it in the bowl on top of the chopped veggies. If you leave it as is for 10-15 minutes, the warm pasta will wilt the veggies just enough so that they are still raw but slightly tender.

3. After about 10-15 minutes, add oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon pepper and salt and mix well. Taste and add more if needed.

Are you planning to make this gluten-free veggie pasta salad today?

Sophia DeSantis is the author of Veggies Don’t Bite, a vegan, gluten free and refined sugar free food blog targeted to all types of eaters. She is the mom of two beautiful boys and wife to an amazing husband. Her and her family live a vegan, gluten free and refined sugar free life 90% of the time because she believes that the stress of having to be perfect shouldn’t overpower the benefits that their healthy lifestyle brings. Through her website, she hopes to reach anybody interested in making a positive health change in their life.

chicken-and-veggie-pasta-bake-1-5

If you’ve come to love dishes that you can reheat, reserve and reinvent throughout the week then this is the dish for you. Courtesy of Jo Cooks, this chicken and veggie pasta casserole will make more servings than your fam can eat in one night, which means you already have tomorrow night’s dinner ready to go. Score! Another bonus? The recipe calls for zucchini, pepper and onions so sneaking in veggies for your kids to chow down on is a cinch.

Serves 10

Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb elbow macaroni, cooked according to package instructions
1 medium white onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 small zucchini, chopped
2 chicken breasts, skinless and boneless and cut into 1 inch pieces
1 cup half and half
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
salt and pepper to taste
chopped parsley for garnish

Method:
1. Preheat oven to 400 F degrees.

2. In a large skillet heat the olive oil and add chicken. Cook chicken for about 5 to 10 minutes until slightly browned, and cooked through. Add chopped onion and bell pepper and cook for another 3 minutes or until onion is tender. Sean with salt and pepper. Add zucchini and stir.

3. Add half and half, marinara sauce, cooked macaroni and ½ cup of the Parmesan cheese. Stir and cook for 5 minutes.

4. Pour half the macaroni mixture in a 9×13 baking dish. Sprinkle with ½ cup of the Mozzarella cheese. Add the remaining macaroni and sprinkle with remaining Mozzarella cheese, then top with the remaining Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the Panko breadcrumbs over the cheese to add a crunch to the casserole.

5. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.

6. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Are you a fan of casserole dishes? 

photo and recipe courtesy of Jo Cooks. Visit her blog for more recipe inspiration.