We love to create meals that both kids and parents will enjoy! Get your kiddos in the kitchen and let them help you whip up this quick and easy meal.

Pizza Pasta Bake

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

1 box 14-16 oz. uncooked pasta (penne, bow tie, or spiral)

1 jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce

3 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese (Italian blend is extra yummy)

1 small package of pepperoni and/or Canadian bacon (about 16oz)

Let your child fill a big pot of water, place it on the stove, turn to high and cover with a lid to bring to a quick boil. Spray a 9×13 glass cooking dish with a nonstick spray (another task fit for a youngster). Open cheese package, sauce, and meat packages and set to the side. Once water comes to a boil add pasta and let your child toss in a big pinch of salt. (cook pasta according to package minus a couple of minutes) While pasta is cooking prepare a green salad and maybe a bowl of fresh fruit, children love to help cut fruit and toss salad. When pasta is al dente (just under cooked, it will finish cooking in the oven) drain well over the sink, teach your children how to lean away from the steam. Place half of the pasta in the baking dish, cover with half of the sauce, half of the meat, and half of the cheese. Add another layer of pasta and repeat. Your kids will love helping to assemble this delicious creation & are sure to take credit for it at the dinner table. Bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes or until hot and bubbly and all the cheese is melted.

While it’s baking help your children set the table!

Be creative & use your left overs. This is a great meal that can make the most out of those random left overs hiding in your fridge! Plan to make this the night before you do your grocery shopping. In addition or as a substitute to the above listed ingredients you can add any cheeses that needs to be used, left over meats like deli ham, cooked ground beef or sausage. Depending on what your children like you can toss in corn or black olives too. For a completely different twist you can use left over taco meat and salsa instead of spaghetti sauce. The possibilities are endless.

Enjoy!!