Pasta and cheese are a classic combination that kids love, making them a go-to for family meals. From creamy mac and cheese to fun baked pasta bakes, these recipes are simple, comforting, and packed with cheesy goodness. Here you’ll find 7 kid friendly pasta recipes with cheese, each with easy-to-follow instructions and plenty of ways to customize for your family’s tastes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 pound mini shells
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 4 cups whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil (optional)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced (optional)
- 2 cups frozen peas (optional)
- 1 cup chopped broccoli (optional)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots (optional)
- Nonstick cooking spray (for baking dishes)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shapes (macaroni, penne, rotini, spaghetti, shells) separately according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make a Basic Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/2 cup flour and cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes until bubbly but not browned. Slowly whisk in 4 cups whole milk and 2 cups heavy cream. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add Cheese: Lower the heat to medium-low. Add 3 cups shredded cheddar, 1 cup mozzarella, and 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Mix and Match: Divide the cooked pasta into batches for different recipes. For basic mac and cheese, combine 4 cups cooked macaroni with 3 cups of cheese sauce. For baked ziti, combine 4 cups penne with 1 cup ricotta, 2 cups marinara sauce, and 2 cups mozzarella, then top with Parmesan and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes, covered, then 10 minutes uncovered.
- Customize: For veggie-packed pasta, stir in cooked broccoli, peas, or carrots with the cheese sauce. For meaty versions, add cooked chicken or bacon.
- Bake for Crunch: For baked recipes, transfer pasta to a greased baking dish, top with extra cheese and panko breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F for 20-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve Warm: Let baked pasta cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Tips
- Substitutions: Use any short pasta shape your kids prefer. Cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack are mild and kid-friendly, but you can use Gruyère or Swiss for more flavor.
- Make Ahead: Assemble baked pasta dishes up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best texture.
- Veggie Boost: Finely chop or shred vegetables to blend easily into the cheese sauce—great for picky eaters.
- Prevent Overcooking: Slightly undercook pasta before baking, as it will finish cooking in the oven and stay tender, not mushy.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair cheesy pasta with a green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Serve with garlic bread or breadsticks for extra fun.
- Offer fruit slices or applesauce cups as a sweet, refreshing side.
- For parties, bake pasta in muffin tins for easy kid-sized portions.
Variations
- Classic Mac and Cheese: Elbow macaroni baked with cheddar and a crispy breadcrumb topping.
- Baked Ziti: Penne or ziti layered with ricotta, mozzarella, and marinara, then baked until bubbly.
- Cheesy Chicken Pasta: Add cooked diced chicken and peas to the cheese sauce, then toss with rotini.
- Broccoli Cheddar Pasta: Stir steamed broccoli into the cheese sauce and toss with shells.
- Pizza Pasta Bake: Combine pasta with marinara, mozzarella, and toppings like mini pepperoni.
- Vegetable Hidden Mac: Puree carrots or cauliflower into the cheese sauce for added nutrition.
- Spaghetti Pie: Mix cooked spaghetti with eggs, cheese, and marinara, then bake in a pie dish.
- One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta: Add cooked ground beef and ketchup to cheese sauce for a fun twist.
- Cheesy Alfredo Penne: Use cream cheese and Parmesan for a rich, creamy white sauce.
- Caprese Pasta: Toss pasta with mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil, then drizzle with olive oil.
- Cheesy Taco Pasta: Add taco seasoning, ground beef, and cheddar for a Tex-Mex flair.
- Buffalo Chicken Mac: Stir in cooked chicken and a splash of mild buffalo sauce, top with blue cheese crumbles (if adventurous).
- Spinach Ricotta Shells: Stuff jumbo shells with ricotta and spinach, cover with sauce and cheese, then bake.
- Ham and Cheese Pasta: Add diced ham and peas to mac and cheese for a hearty meal.
- Mini Lasagna Cups: Layer cooked noodles, ricotta, marinara, and cheese in muffin tins and bake.
- Cheesy Pesto Pasta: Add a spoonful of pesto to the cheese sauce for a herby twist.
- Four Cheese Pasta: Blend cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan for extra cheesy flavor.
- Veggie Alfredo: Stir sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini into Alfredo-sauced penne.
- Cheesy Tuna Noodle Bake: Mix cooked pasta with cheese sauce, canned tuna, and peas. Top with breadcrumbs and bake.
- Cheesy Pasta Soup: Stir small pasta shapes and shredded cheese into a tomato-based broth for a comforting soup.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftover cheesy pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let cool to room temperature before sealing.
- Freezer: Most baked pasta dishes freeze well. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat single portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For larger portions, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until hot. Add a splash of milk before reheating to keep the sauce creamy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes! Most gluten-free pasta shapes work well in these recipes. Cook just until al dente, as they can become mushy if overcooked. Check the package for specific timing. - What’s the best cheese for picky eaters?
Mild cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack cheeses are usually kid favorites for their creamy texture and mild flavor. Avoid sharp or strong cheeses unless your kids already enjoy them. - How do I add vegetables without complaints?
Finely chop or shred carrots, zucchini, or spinach and stir them into the cheese sauce. Alternatively, blend cooked vegetables into the sauce for a smooth texture that’s easy to hide. - Can I make these recipes ahead for busy nights?
Absolutely! Assemble baked pasta dishes up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to eat. You can also portion and freeze for quick meals later. - How can I prevent pasta from drying out when reheating?
Add a splash of milk or cream before reheating, and cover the dish with foil or a microwave-safe lid to trap moisture. Stir halfway through reheating for even warmth. - Is it safe to pack cheesy pasta in a lunchbox?
Yes, as long as it’s kept cold in an insulated lunchbox with an ice pack. Some kids even enjoy pasta at room temperature or cold, but always follow food safety guidelines for perishable items.