Everyone, young and old loves pasta and no one can resist it. The best part? With a little ingenuity, pasta comes in a ton of different flavors and can easily dress up to bring fun and flavor to kid-approved food, while filling little tummies and making dinner-time a fun activity. Three shapes of pasta that elevate weeknight dinners: paccheri, conchiglioni and rigatoni. Their unique shapes and versatility make them perfect for kid-approved recipes parents will enjoy making. We will dive into these fun shapes and how they can be used to make delicious meals that your kids will love!
Why Choose Paccheri, Conchiglioni, and Rigatoni?
- Paccheri: These large, tube-shaped pasta pieces are perfect for stuffing or layering, making them great for hearty meals.
- Conchiglioni: Also known as large pasta shells, Conchiglioni can be stuffed with delicious fillings or baked with cheese and sauces.
- Rigatoni: These short, ridged pasta tubes hold sauces beautifully and are ideal for baked dishes or creamy recipes.
These three types of pasta are excellent choices because of their playful shapes, which are visually appealing to kids. They’re also easy to eat, making mealtimes less of a struggle and more of a joy.
Fun and Flavorful Recipes for Kids
|
Recipe Name |
Ingredients |
Instructions |
|
Cheesy Stuffed Paccheri with Hidden Veggies |
- 12-15 Paccheri pasta tubes- 1 cup ricotta cheese- 1 cup spinach, finely chopped- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan- 1 small carrot, grated- 1 cup tomato sauce- 1 tsp olive oil- Salt and pepper to taste |
1. Pre-cook the Paccheri in salted boiling water until al dente, then set aside.2. Mix ricotta, spinach, carrot, mozzarella, and salt/pepper in a bowl.3. Stuff each Paccheri tube with the mixture.4. Spread tomato sauce in a baking dish, arrange Paccheri, and drizzle with olive oil.5. Cover with more sauce and Parmesan.6. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes. |
|
Conchiglioni Shells with Creamy Chicken and Broccoli |
- 10-12 large Conchiglioni shells- 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken- 1/2 cup cooked broccoli, chopped- 1/2 cup cream cheese- 1/4 cup grated cheddar- 1/2 cup white sauce (bechamel)- Salt and pepper to taste |
1. Boil the Conchiglioni shells until tender, then drain.2. Mix chicken, broccoli, cream cheese, and cheddar in a bowl.3. Stuff shells with the mixture.4. Spread white sauce in a baking dish and place stuffed shells.5. Sprinkle with extra cheddar.6. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes. |
|
Creamy Rigatoni with Tomato and Cheese Sauce |
- 2 cups Rigatoni pasta- 1 cup tomato sauce- 1/2 cup cream (or heavy cream)- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella- 1/4 cup Parmesan- 1 tbsp olive oil- 1 tsp garlic powder- Salt and pepper to taste |
1. Cook Rigatoni pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain.2. Heat olive oil in a pan; add tomato sauce, cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.3. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.4. Toss Rigatoni into the sauce and mix well.5. Add mozzarella and stir until melted.6. Serve with Parmesan on top. |
Tips for Making Pasta Meals Kid-Friendly
- Get Them Involved: Kids love helping in the kitchen. Let them stuff shells, sprinkle cheese, or stir sauces to make mealtime more engaging.
- Use Fun Shapes: Paccheri, Conchiglioni, and Rigatoni are perfect for kids because their playful shapes make the food more exciting.
- Hide Veggies in Sauces: Finely grate or puree vegetables like carrots, spinach, or zucchini into the sauce for added nutrition.
- Keep It Cheesy: Cheese is often a kid’s best friend! Incorporate their favorite types for guaranteed smiles.
- Make It Colorful: Add colorful veggies like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or peas to make the dish visually appealing.
Conclusion
Paccheri, Conchiglioni and Rigatoni are tools, not just pasta, tools to turn family dinners into memorable, fun and delicious experiences. With a little creativity, you can prepare meals kids will look forward to eating while sneaking in crucial nutrients. Whether you go for stuffedPaccheri, creamyConchiglioni, or saucyRigatoni, these pasta recipes are sure to be a hit with the little ones in your house(s)!
For only the best pasta, use Gustora Foods — the best would bring its authentic Italian-style pasta. So put on your aprons, bring your kids into the kitchen, and let mealtime be the highlight of your day!
