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Home » Dinner

38 Pasta Shapes That Make Dinner Fun for Kids

Published: Jan 13, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Fun pasta shapes make dinner more exciting for kids and bring a little extra joy to mealtime. These recipes are perfect for families who want to make pasta night something everyone will look forward to. With flavors that will please picky eaters and shapes that will spark their imaginations, these dishes are a great way to add some fun to your dinner table while keeping things simple and tasty.

Four instant pot buttery lemon chicken pasta with zucchini and squash.
Instant Pot Buttery Lemon Chicken Pasta with Zucchini and Squash. Photo Credit: xoxoBella

Pasta e Piselli

An image of Pasta e Piselli served in a bowl.
Pasta e Piselli. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Pasta e piselli combines peas and Pecorino cheese in a simple, flavorful dish. Small pasta shapes make it easy and fun for kids to eat.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Piselli

Pesto Tortellini Salad

A close up view of cooked tortellini pasta salad in a white bowl.
Pesto Tortellini Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This tortellini pasta salad is ready in 20 minutes with fewer than ten ingredients. The bite-sized pasta pockets make it an exciting choice for children to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tortellini Salad

Easy Microwave Mac and Cheese

An overhead image of microwave mac and cheese in a bowl with a spoon.
Easy Microwave Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Microwave mac and cheese is a fast, creamy dinner that comes together in minutes. Pairing it with fun pasta shapes makes it even more engaging for kids at the table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Microwave Mac and Cheese

Jamaican Rasta Pasta

An overhead image of cooked rasta pasta on a serving bowl.
Jamaican Rasta Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegan rasta pasta is mildly spiced and made with fresh, simple ingredients. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a great quick meal with a fun pasta shape kids will love.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Rasta Pasta

Pasta Fresca

An overhead image of pasta fresca in a white plate with cheese and tomatoes in the background.
Pasta Fresca. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Pasta fresca is made with fresh, simple ingredients and is ready in under 30 minutes. Vibrant pasta shapes turn every dinner into a fun experience for kids.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Fresca

Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells

A serving of Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells on a plate.
Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Philly cheesesteak stuffed shells are packed with beef, peppers, and creamy provolone. The jumbo shell pasta makes the meal playful and hands-on for kids.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells

Easy Veggie Lasagna

An image of a slice of vegetable lasagna on a white serving plate.
Easy Veggie Lasagna. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegetable lasagna is a meatless option made with layers of pasta, ricotta cheese, and roasted vegetables. The fun pasta shapes make this dish more enjoyable for kids.
Get the Recipe: Easy Veggie Lasagna

Instant Pot Buttery Lemon Chicken Pasta with Zucchini and Squash

Four instant pot buttery lemon chicken pasta with zucchini and squash.
Instant Pot Buttery Lemon Chicken Pasta with Zucchini and Squash. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Instant Pot buttery lemon chicken pasta is a quick, flavorful dish with zucchini and squash. The fun pasta shapes add an extra element of excitement for kids.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Buttery Lemon Chicken Pasta with Zucchini and Squash

Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

A bowl of Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara.
Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara is creamy, cheesy, and packed with bacon. The ravioli shapes add a playful element to this family-friendly pasta dish.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi

Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi on a stack of plates.
Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Creamy Tuscan marry me gnocchi is a rich and elegant dish ready in less than 30 minutes. The fun gnocchi shapes make this a fun and comforting choice for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi

Avocado Pesto Pasta

A close-up image of Avocado Pesto Pasta.
Avocado Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Avocado pesto pasta blends creamy avocado with pasta for a healthy, comforting meal. Pairing it with fun pasta shapes keeps kids excited about dinner.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Pesto Pasta

Instant Pot Pasta Da Vinci

Top view of a bowl of Instant Pot Pasta Da Vinci.
Instant Pot Pasta Da Vinci. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Cheesecake Factory copycat pasta da vinci is an easy and creamy pasta with bacon and chicken. The fun pasta shapes make this a family-friendly meal everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pasta Da Vinci

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

An overhead image of sun dried tomato pasta in a rectangular dish.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Creamy sun-dried tomato pasta is a one-pot dish ready in 30 minutes. The creative pasta shapes make it an exciting dinner option that kids will love.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Tortellini alla Panna

An image of Tortellini alla Panna in a bowl.
Tortellini alla Panna. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Tortellini alla panna is made with creamy sauce and Parmesan. The stuffed pasta shapes make this dish a playful and enjoyable option for kids.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini alla Panna

Easy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

A bowl of ground beef pasta skillet.
Easy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ground beef pasta comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights. Fun pasta shapes make it more engaging for kids to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Easy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Stuffed Rigatoni Pasta Pie

A whole Stuffed Rigatoni Pasta Pie.
Stuffed Rigatoni Pasta Pie. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Pasta pie is a savory combination of beef, tomatoes, herbs, and pasta. The creative use of pasta shapes makes this dish a fun experience for kids at the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Rigatoni Pasta Pie

Lemony Greek Pasta Salad

Close-up image of lemony greek pasta salad with wooden spoom in a plate.
Lemony Greek Pasta Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Greek pasta salad combines fresh ingredients with a zesty dressing. Using shaped pasta makes it visually interesting and more fun for younger diners.
Get the Recipe: Lemony Greek Pasta Salad

Smoked Italian Pasta Salad with Pepperoncini Dressing

Close-up image of zesty tex mex chicken pasta salad in a brown bowl.
Smoked Italian Pasta Salad with Pepperoncini Dressing. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Smoked Italian pasta salad is a fresh take on a classic dish with a smoky flavor. The pasta shapes make it a visually engaging option for kids.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Italian Pasta Salad with Pepperoncini Dressing

Meatball Pasta Bake

A casserole dish with meatballs and pasta.
Meatball Pasta Bake. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Meatball casserole is an easy one-pan meal. Fun pasta shapes add a playful touch to this classic comfort food that kids will love.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Pasta Bake

Garden Veggie Macaroni Salad and Creamy Avocado Dressing

Garden Veggie Macaroni Salad and Creamy Avocado Dressing. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Garden veggie macaroni salad combines a rainbow of vegetables with creamy avocado dressing. Bright pasta shapes make this salad irresistibly fun for kids.
Get the Recipe: Garden Veggie Macaroni Salad and Creamy Avocado Dressing

Creamy Sweet Potato Noodles

Creamy Sweet Potato Noodles. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sweet potato noodles offer a healthy alternative with a fun twist on Alfredo. The bright noodles make this a unique, kid-friendly take on a classic pasta dish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sweet Potato Noodles

Paccheri Pasta

Paccheri Pasta. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Paccheri pasta combines melty cheese, Italian herbs, and red wine in a rich dish. The oversized pasta tubes make it exciting and fun for kids to eat.
Get the Recipe: Paccheri Pasta

Penne Pomodoro

An close up photo of cooked penne pomodoro in a pot.
Penne Pomodoro. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Penne Pomodoro is a simple and healthy weeknight meal ready in under 30 minutes. The penne pasta shapes add a playful touch to this straightforward dish.
Get the Recipe: Penne Pomodoro

Mac & Beer Cheese in a Mini Pretzel Bowl

Mac & Beer Cheese in a Mini Pretzel Bowl. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Mac & beer cheese in a mini pretzel bowl is a comfort food favorite. The fun presentation and pasta shapes make it a perfect party or game day dish for kids.
Get the Recipe: Mac & Beer Cheese in a Mini Pretzel Bowl

Rigatoni Arrabbiata

Overhead view of rigatoni arrabbiata dish placed on a white plate and baking dish. 
Rigatoni Arrabbiata. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Rigatoni arrabbiata is an easy-to-make pasta with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil. Ready in 30 minutes, the rigatoni pasta shape makes it even more fun for kids.
Get the Recipe: Rigatoni Arrabbiata

Instant Pot Blackened Chicken Alfredo

Instant Pot Blackened Chicken Alfredo. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Instant Pot blackened chicken alfredo is a quick and easy dinner option. The creamy sauce and fun pasta shapes make it an enjoyable meal for children.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Blackened Chicken Alfredo

Lamb Bolognese

Lamb Bolognese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lamb bolognese is a flavorful twist on the classic meat sauce. Tagliatelle pasta makes it fun and engaging for children while still being hearty and rich.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Bolognese

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This creamy Tuscan sausage pasta is rich and comforting, perfect for a cozy family dinner. The creamy sauce and hearty pasta shapes will keep everyone entertained.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta

Italian Low Carb Pasta Marinara

Pasta Marinara inside a grey plate with extra sauce and basil leaves on the side.
Italian Low Carb Pasta Marinara. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Italian low carb pasta marinara is an easy dinner that’s also great for meal prep. The kid-friendly pasta shapes make this a fun choice for the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Italian Low Carb Pasta Marinara

Chicken Stroganoff

Chicken Stroganoff. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Chicken stroganoff swaps beef for chicken, offering a creamy, rich dinner. The creamy sauce and fun pasta shapes make it an entertaining dish for kids.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stroganoff

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a quick meal that’s ready in 25 minutes. Using kid-friendly pasta shapes makes it more playful and enjoyable for younger diners.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Pesto Fettuccini with Bolognese Sauce

Pesto Fettuccini with Bolognese Sauce. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Pesto fettuccini with Bolognese sauce is a hearty Italian dish with a rich beef sauce. The pasta shapes add a fun twist to this traditional meal, making it more enjoyable for kids.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Fettuccini with Bolognese Sauce

Morel Mushroom Pasta

Morel Mushroom Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Morel Mushroom Pasta features deep, nutty flavors balanced with creamy shallots and garlic. The creative pasta shapes make this a fun, hearty dish for any dinner.
Get the Recipe: Morel Mushroom Pasta

Italian Penne Rosa Pasta

Italian Penne Rosa Pasta. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Penne rosa is a creamy tomato pasta perfect for busy weeknights. The tube-shaped penne pasta adds a fun touch that makes it more exciting for kids.
Get the Recipe: Italian Penne Rosa Pasta

Korean Sweet Potato Glass Noodles

Korean Sweet Potato Glass Noodles. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sweet potato glass noodles are a fast and easy Korean-inspired dish ready in 15 minutes. The fun noodles and stir-fried vegetables make it an exciting meal for kids.
Get the Recipe: Korean Sweet Potato Glass Noodles

Seafood Pasta Salad

Seafood Pasta Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Seafood pasta salad mixes seafood, pasta, and veggies in a creamy dressing. Using kid-friendly pasta shapes turns this dish into a fun experience for children.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

Pasta alla Norma

An overhead image of Pasta alla Norma in a bowl with another bowl of pasta on the side.
Pasta alla Norma. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Pasta alla Norma features rich tomato sauce, sautéed eggplant, and fresh basil. The fun pasta shapes make this classic meal more engaging for children.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma

Zesty Tex Mex Chicken Pasta Salad

Zesty Tex Mex Chicken Pasta Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Tex Mex chicken pasta salad is a southwest-inspired dish with chicken. The playful pasta shapes make this salad even more exciting for kids to eat.
Get the Recipe: Zesty Tex Mex Chicken Pasta Salad

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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