This is a simple and delicious recipe the kids can help make
30-minute meals are the best. This recipe comes together quickly, which means you can spend your evenings doing things that matter like building forts and playing hide-and-seek. In fact, we found that the longest part of the prep work for this pasta dish was getting our water to boil. Tell us below what you think of this pasta with peas and bacon dish!
Ingredients for Pasta with Peas and Bacon:
16 ounces fettuccine (or whatever pasta you prefer)
3 strips of thick-cut bacon
1/2 onion, chopped
1 (10-ounce) bag frozen peas
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 lemon, juiced
Method:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium heat. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
2. Meanwhile, saute bacon in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until golden and crisp, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and break up into small pieces.
3. In the same pan, saute onions until softened, about 5 minutes. Add peas and garlic and saute for 3 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese, pasta, and bacon.
4. Moisten pasta with some of the reserved pasta water. Toss to incorporate, season with salt and pepper, if necessary, and serve, sprinkled with lemon juice.
Whether your kids have nut allergies, or your school is nut-free, this easy lunchtime nut-free basil pesto pasta dish is a winner. Made with sunflower seeds instead of pine nuts, it’s a delicious and allergy-friendly addition to the lunch menu.
1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
1/3 cup hulled roasted sunflower seeds
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed
Kosher salt
1 pound fresh pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
Parmesan cheese
Method:
1. Place the basil, sunflower seeds, cheese, and garlic in the bowl of a food processor. Process until the ingredients are well chopped, about 2 minutes.
2. Add the oil and process for another minute, or until smooth. Add salt to taste. For a smoother texture, add a little extra olive oil.
3. Prepare the pasta according to the package directions. Drain, reserve some of the pasta water, and set aside.
4. Add the cooked pasta back to the empty pot and toss with the pesto and cherry tomatoes. Add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water.
5. Serve topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Getting kids to eat their veggies may be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. The trick, according to recipe creator Leah Singer of Leah’s Thoughts is simple: add a veggie puree to your dish. This recipe for jambalaya also swaps the traditional rice for pasta, making it extra hearty.
Ingredients for Pasta Jambalaya Recipe:
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped
1 kielbasa sausage, sliced
2 cups of shrimp (we use frozen)
1 chopped onion
1 – 2 teaspoons of garlic
2 cans diced tomatoes (undrained)
Pinch of chili flakes
Cajon/Creole seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 pound penne pasta (or whatever you have around)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup carrot, spinach, or other veggie puree (optional)
Method
1. Saute the kielbasa with olive oil in a large Dutch oven. Remove sausage from the pan and replace with chicken. Do not empty the oil–it gives the chicken great flavor. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet.
2. Add a bit more olive oil and add onion and garlic. Saute until cooked through. (If you’re a fan of peppers, you could add chunks of peppers at this point.) Add cans of diced tomatoes, spices, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Add back into the pot the chicken and sausage. If you’re adding a hidden veggie, do it now!
3. Meanwhile, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain, and add to the meat and tomato mixture. Taste of seasonings. At this point, add the frozen shrimp and let them steam cook for a few minutes. Stir and add the cream.
Leah Singer is a freelance writer and editor. She shares many family-friendly recipes, as well as stories of motherhood, craft ideas, writing, and other such topics at Leah’s Thoughts.
Your family is going to love these easy iron skillet recipes
When it comes to cooking, sometimes the cleanup (all those pots and pans!) makes us want to start scrolling through our favorite meal delivery apps instead. That’s why we’ve been searching for the best meals you can make in a cast iron skillet. This kitchen must-have heats everything evenly, can saute, sear, bake and broil and goes right from the stovetop to the oven—making it ideal for one-pot meals. From cast iron skillet steak to a Pizookie, we’ve got 16 iron skillet recipes you’ll want to put on repeat.
This cast iron skillet recipe for frittata might have bacon, but this breakfast meal is very vegetarian friendly, as you can add just about anything you like! Get the recipe over at Carlsbad Cravings.
Pizza is always a family favorite, and this deep dish cast iron skillet version is a cinch to make. One thing to note: This recipe takes almost two hours from start to finish, so be sure to plan this for a Friday night, weekend, or day you know you’ll have time to get it done. Grab the recipe over at A Taste of Madness.
This easy cast iron skillet recipe can be completed from start to finish in less than 30 minutes, plus it only has a handful of ingredients, which makes it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Get the recipe over at The Recipe Critic.
This one-pot meal has the feeling of enchiladas, but the mild flavor is ideal for picky eaters. This one takes over an hour, but it makes two pies, so you’ll have plenty of leftovers for another night. Get the recipe from Pinch of Yum.
Chicken thighs are one of the most versatile dinner ingredients—they can be made in dozens of ways. Using a cast iron skillet, this crispy version will cook quickly, and your cleanup will be a cinch. Get the recipe from Food Fanatic.
The hardest part about this recipe is making sure you get the pork marinated for at least 30 minutes (and up to a day) before tossing it in your cast iron skillet to brown and then popping it into the oven. Get the recipe at Kristine’s Kitchen Blog.
Soft and flavorful meatballs? Check. Stringy, gooey, yummy cheese? Check. Garlic toast for crunch? Check! These skillet meatballs check every box when it comes to comfort food. Get the recipe from The View from Great Island.
Our mouths are watering at the sight of this chicken pot pie made in a cast iron skillet. It’s got the flaky crust and savory inside you know and love, but used store-bought shortcuts, which make it perfect for families. Get the recipe from Scrambled Chefs.
All you need to make this mahi mahi is a handful of pantry items and 15 minutes; it’s hard to say you don’t have time to make dinner with a cast iron skillet recipe like this one. Get the recipe over at A Taste of Madness.
Fajitas are always a crowd-pleasing meal, and a cast iron skillet version makes it an easy weeknight dinner option. We love the version from Isabel Eats because she offers up tips and tricks that’ll up your fajita game.
This recipe only has about five ingredients, takes about 15 minutes to make and is full of flavor. You’ll want to add this one to your recipe rotation for sure. Get the recipe from Brit + Co.
Sesame Beef and Broccoli
Pinch of Yum
One of the most popular items on a Chinese Food takeout menu, this cast iron skillet version from a Pinch of Yum tastes just as good (or better!). Full of protein and sweet garlicky-ginger flavor, you won’t even miss the stuff that comes in the little box.
Ahh, a giant cookie baked in a cast iron skillet. Pretty much our idea of heaven. A cross between a pizza and a cookie, you can make one big one or go with mini cast iron pans for individual treats. Get the recipes over at Boulder Locavore.
You cant go wrong with this scrumptious Skillet Mexican Brownie from Weelicious. Top this gooey brownie with a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream!
Mix up your pasta routine while still appealing to your kids’ picky taste buds with this creamy, warm, and comforting Fettuccine Alfredo recipe. Sneak in veggies like mushrooms, spinach, and any other goods you have on hand.
Spinach Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe Ingredients
1 package of fettuccine noodles
1/4 c finely chopped onion
1 c fresh sliced mushrooms
1 c spinach leaves
2 tbsp butter
1 c heavy cream
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 c parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic
2 chicken breasts, cooked (optional)
Method
1. In a large frying pan, saute the onion in butter.
2. Once the onion is tender, add the garlic and mushrooms.
3. Saute until they are all tender.
4. Reduce heat to low/medium heat and slowly stir in heavy cream.
5. Add the salt and parmesan and stir until the parmesan has dissolved.
6. Add pre-cooked spinach if desired (or, cook fresh spinach with 1 tbsp of butter until wilted).
7. If you would like to thicken your alfredo sauce add a few tbsps of flour.
8. Stir until you have achieved your desired thickness.
9. Serve over your noodle of choice and with a white chicken breast on the side (or cut up the chicken and serve it on top).
Thanks to Ambs Loves Food, your cravings for a Korean beef bowl can be sated in just 20 mins. This simple ingredient list of pantry staples will pack your dish with so much flavor your little foodies will be asking for seconds. Pst – cooking the rice will take longer than the beef, so if you plan ahead and have pre-cooked rice to reheat, making this dish could take less than 20 mins!
Ingredients: 1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon crushed ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon veggie oil
1 tablespoon chives
roasted/steamed broccoli
cooked brown rice
Method: 1. Start with a large skillet and heat oil until hot. First add garlic and cook for a minute until you can smell it fragrantly. Add in ground beef.
2. While beef is cooking mix brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and lastly ginger in a small bowl. Set aside.
3. Once beef is cooked and all crumbled, drain the fat. Pour in sauce mixture with chives, let simmer until hot.
4. Serve over brown rice with roasted broccoli.
Planning on cooking this recipe today? Share your results with us in the Comments below!
Textile designer by day, food blogger by night, Amber Knight is the author and photographer of Ambs Loves Food, a blog full of easy, delicious recipes. Her recipe index is filled with classical dishes that kids will love, like banana oat chocolate chip muffins to comfort mac and cheese. She even gets her craft on with fun DIY projects! Visit Ambs Loves Food by clicking here.
The grill is your go-to summer cooking tool, but it’s easy to get stuck in a rut of burgers and steaks. When you’re ready to switch up your dinner menu, you’ll want to check out our roundup of easy grilling recipes. From sweet and sour grilled chicken to skewers and even grilled fruit, these recipes are sure to spice up your spread. Read on to get fired up about all of the delicious possibilities.
Grilled Chicken Recipe
One of the easiest things to grill in the summer is chicken. With endless possibilities, there’s a style and flavor for everyone. We can’t wait to try this Sweet & Sour Chicken version. You can find the recipe in the post below!
What goes better with grilled chicken than corn on the cob? A staple for summer dinners, make some with butter and salt for the kids, and add elote seasoning, spicy mayo or just about anything else you can think of for the adults.
If you’ve got kids who like to keep it simple, set aside a few pieces of zucchini for them to have plain, while the rest can be tossed into this simple summer salad recipe.
Campfire food can be made at home too. Foil packets are genius because there’s literally no cleanup and you can add just about anything you want to the mix. The post below has the recipe for this particularly yummy-looking dinner.
Better than french fries (we think), grilled sweet potatoes are a cinch to prep (see the post for details), and after you’ve lathered them in olive oil and salt, they only take about 4-5 minutes on each side before they’re done.
If you haven’t tried this yet, we highly recommend adding it to your summer recipe rotation. Warm and smooth and stuffed with everything from shrimp to feta and tomatoes, grilled avocados are a real treat. Check out the recipe below.
Another easy way to get a whole meal done at once is to assemble chicken skewers. Add fruit, and vegetables and marinate them in your favorite sauce.
iStock
Grilled Peaches with Feta
These grilled peaches can be served with feta, like in the recipe below, or with ice cream for a sweet summer dessert. A totally understated way to enjoy a sweet treat!
Take your sandwich to the next level with two ingredients you already have in your kitchen
Tired of your go-to sliced cheddar on white bread? Mix up your routine with this no-brainer recipe from the food bloggers Jennie and Corelynof Garlic My Soul. With two ingredients we bet you already have in your kitchen–apples and jam–the classic grilled cheese gets a major upgrade. The cooks’ secret to this delicious sandwich? Use Fontina cheese, which Jennie and Corelyn swear takes this dish to the next level.
Serves 1
Grilled Cheese with Apple and Jam Ingredients:
2 slices sourdough bread
2-3 oz fontina cheese
2 tbsp blueberry jam
¼ an apple, thiny sliced
4-5 basil leaves, chopped thinly sliced
butter
soup of your choice, optional
Method:
1. Butter both sides of your bread.
2. Spread the jam on the inside of both pieces of bread, then layer on the cheese, with the basil in the center.
3. Heat a pan over medium heat, and butter well.
4. Cook over medium heat on each side until the bread is well browned. Pro tip: if you want to, you can use a cast iron bacon press or another cast iron to put weight on the sandwich so everyone gets nice and melty.
When it comes to trying out international cuisine, parents can rest easy in diving into Italian food. Flavorful sauce that hides veggies, noodles and cheesy appetizers help kids whet their appetite for this Mediterranean fare. We’ve rounded up everything from homemade focaccia and Arancini to the softest almond cookies ever. Keep reading to see easy recipes that will have your kids diving into Italian food for life.
Fluffy and flavorful, most kids can't shy away from a nice piece of Focaccia. Made with lots of olive oil and rosemary, this version from Baking a Moment pairs perfect with all your upcoming Italian dishes!
Whether you need a quick appetizer or just a fresh snack, getting kids to eat Bruschetta can be easier than you think! Chelsea's Messy Apron combines traditional ingredients like grilled bread, tomatoes and basil into a simple recipe that may just get your kids to gobble up fruit without realizing it.
It only take four ingredients to make a Caprese salad (and you probably have most of them from whipping up that bruschetta!). This easy app comes together quickly, looks pretty and all that cheese could be the key to getting your kids to try it out.
No, those aren't meatballs: they're fried balls of risotto! This supremely delicious recipe from Happily Eva After brings this savory and filling appetizer or snack to your table with just 30 minutes of cook time.
Risotto is a staple in Italian cuisine. While it takes time and attention, the result is creamy and cheesy deliciousness. Head over to Walks of Italy to get all the tips for making an authentic version at home.
Say hello to this tender meat dish that kids will gobble up. Charlotte Fashion Plate shares an amazingly savory dish using flank steak, cheese and hearty tomatoes for this show stopping recipe.
Did somebody say meatballs? Easy to make and even easier to gobble up, this recipe from Family Style Food will have you tossing these together on a regular basis.
Filling yet light at the same time, this bean soup is the stuff Italian dreams are made of. We love this recipe from Garlic & Zest which comes with a hearty side of hacks that will up your cooking game.
Good luck getting your kids not to mow through these adorable mini meatballs! Carlsbad Cravings' classic soup is the perfect addition to a chilly night. Don't forget the side of crusty bread!
Perfect for holiday baking (or really anytime of year), these Italian honey balls will become a family fave. The deep fried dough balls require few ingredients and are super fun to make with the kids (just watch out for that hot oil!). Head to Pina Bresciani to get a recipe you can use now.
You need these Easter cookies in your life (and not just during the spring!). The Monday Box's recipe for these sprinkly-treats is easy to follow, fun to eat and makes the perfect afternoon activity with the kids.
Parents who need a little sweet with their morning coffee will love An Italian In My Kitchen's recipe for these twist cookies. While they take a little patience waiting for the dough to rise, you'll be able to give yourself a pat on the back for making these cookies by hand.
Chewy and soft, these pine nut-topped cookies are an Italian tradition. They are deeply almond-flavored and are naturally gluten and dairy free! Head to Foodtasia to snag the recipe.
You only need four ingredients to whip up these flourless soft almond cookies from The Monday Box. Grab your almond flour, confectioners’ sugar, lemon zest and eggs and bring everything together by hand for these delicious cookies that go great with coffee.
Goblins, ghosts and… garlic?! You read that right, and this new graphic novel about Garlic, a brave little veggie and delightfully unusual heroine, is one of our favorite new reads of the season—it’s the perfect Halloween treat (and won’t stick to your teeth!). If you’re looking to build confidence in your little ghoul’s reading skills (ages 6+) or just fill their fall with a cozy adventuresome read, Garlic & the Vampire by Bree Paulsen is the farm-fresh book you need on your shelf now.
Garlic feels as though she’s always doing something wrong. At least with her friend Carrot by her side and the kindly Witch Agnes encouraging her, Garlic is happy to just tend her garden, where it’s nice and safe. But when her village of vegetable folk learns that a bloodthirsty vampire has moved into the nearby castle, they all agree that, in spite of her fear and self-doubt, Garlic is the obvious choice to confront him. And with everyone counting on her, Garlic reluctantly agrees to face the mysterious vampire, hoping she has what it takes.
"In this down comforter of a graphic novel, Garlic discovers that she is braver and more capable than she ever believed when she is called upon to save her friends. The color palette is folkloric, drawing on lush earth tones to highlight this cozy little village where people and vegetables live harmoniously—this is cottagecore through and through."
— Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)
"Gorgeous artwork featuring anthropomorphized plants and colors reminiscent of those used in Kate Greenaway stories make this a joy to read... Perfect for chapter-book readers and up, this will delight anyone wanting a light adventure heavy on friendship and self-actualization."
