Originally posted September 01, 2011

easy kids packed lunch pasta

easy kids packed lunch pasta by joanie

The school year just started, and the kids are now in charge of preparing their own lunch. I'm on the lookout for quick and easy things a 7 and 9 year-old can prepare, and here's one.

Obviously you can play around with the ingredients. We like fresh basil because we have a plant in the kitchen, and the kids can gather their own herbs. Also, I found really nice, finely grated parmesan at my local grocery store. It's the same cheese as the blocks they sell--and at the same price.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb penne or other pasta
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed
  • 1/4 shallot, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/2 cup parmesan, grated
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
4 kid lunches

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta. When the pasta is about 2 minutes from done, add frozen peas. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.

Meanwhile, heat butter over medium heat. Add garlic and shallot. Stir until fragrant. Add cooked pasta and peas. Add basil and half the pasta water. Stir in parmesan, salt, and pepper. Use the remaining pasta water to thin, if necessary.

Pack in a thermos and place in your lunchbox.

30 minutes

Comments

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  • commented over 12 years ago

    Just tried this recipe tonight. Didn't have shallots and only had dried oregano. Still turned out delish.

  • commented over 12 years ago

    Definitely going to try this one. Need 4 more like this to round out a week's worth of lunches for 3 boys! Mine can't quite make their own lunches yet, but this mom can use all the help she can get with easy, yummy lunch ideas.

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