Easy Italian Recipes Kids Will Love to Make and Eat

Trying Italian recipes with your kids can be a fun way to explore culture and taste. Here are three kid-friendly Italian dishes that are both delicious and easy to prepare together!

1. Pastiera di Maccheroni (Savory Pasta Pie)

Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1 red onion, finely chopped

• 1 carrot, finely chopped

• 9 ounces pancetta, cubed

• 18 ounces ground pork

• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped rosemary

• 1 can (14 oz) cherry tomatoes

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 3/4 cups (11 oz) penne rigate

• 4 large eggs

• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

1. Heat 4 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan. Sauté onion and carrot for 5 minutes.

2. Add pancetta, pork, and rosemary. Cook until browned (about 5 minutes).

3. Add tomatoes, season, and cook for 15 minutes. Let cool.

4. Boil pasta until al dente. Drain and mix with meat sauce. Let cool.

5. Preheat oven to 350°F.

6. Add eggs and Parmesan to pasta mixture. Stir well.

7. Brush an 8.5-inch baking dish with olive oil. Pour in pasta mix.

8. Bake for 20 minutes until set and crispy. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

2. Turkey Sausage & Tortellini in Creamy Tomato Basil Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Italian turkey sausage, casing removed

• 1 can (10 3/4 oz) Campbell’s® Cream of Chicken Soup

• 1/2 cup water

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

• 1 lb frozen cheese tortellini

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil

• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions:

1. Cook sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned.

2. Drain fat. Add soup, water, tomatoes, and tortellini.

3. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes.

4. Stir in basil. Top with Parmesan if desired.

3. Arugula Pesto, Ricotta & Smoked Mozzarella Pizza

Ingredients:

• Cornmeal (for dusting)

• 1/2 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 2 cups shredded smoked mozzarella

• 1 cup packed arugula

• Flour (for dusting)

• 1 lb pizza dough

• Olive oil (for drizzling)

• 2 plum tomatoes, sliced

How To:

1. Blend ricotta, garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Add mozzarella and arugula, pulse until chunky.

2. Roll dough into 14-inch circle. Place on baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil.

3. Spread ricotta mix on dough. Top with tomato slices. Drizzle with oil again.

These simple dishes are not only full of Italian flavor but also a great opportunity for kids to help in the kitchen and learn about Italy through food!

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