10 Unexpected Pasta Dinners

Boxed pasta is one of those pantry staples that we almost always have on hand. While the easy way to transform it into dinner is with a jar of spaghetti sauce, our inner foodies are on the search for something a bit more inspired. The following 10 recipes offer unexpected ways to transform that boring box of pasta into something worth getting excited about!

Thai Peanut Noodles

Thai Peanut Noodles

While the recipe calls for udon noodles (found in the Asian aisle of your grocery store, or in speciality shops), you can swap them out for spaghetti or fettucine in this Thai Peanut Noodle recipe that puts a carton of takeout to shame!

Source: Sarah Lipoff

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

You can't go wrong with a recipe from Michelle Obama, especially since she found a way to sneak veggies into her kids' beloved mac and cheese!

Source: Sara Yoo

Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

One of the best things about this easy Chicken Noodle Soup is that you can easily alter it according to what kind of pasta and veggies you have on hand.

Source: Anna Monette Roberts

Rainbow Pasta

Rainbow Pasta

Kids will love the bright medley of colors, while their parents will love the rich assortment of veggies in this quick and easy Rainbow Pasta.

Source: Camilla Salem

Thirty-Minute Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake

Thirty-Minute Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake

This decadent, bubbly casserole can be ready in just 30 minutes and will likely provide you with leftovers for a few nights, too.

Chicken Lo Mein

Chicken Lo Mein

Asian-inspired Chicken Lo Mein is both super easy and delicious. Follow the simple steps, and you'll have a healthy, kid-approved meal on the table in less than 30 minutes.

Cheesy Lasagna Rolls

Cheesy Lasagna Rolls

Instead of layering lasagna in the traditional style, try a reinvented version by rolling the noodles around a cheesy filling. Check out the easy and fun-to-eat lasagna roll recipe from POPSUGAR Food.

Pumpkin Parmesan Pasta

Pumpkin Parmesan Pasta

Bake pasta and that Fall favorite — pumpkin — together in a main dish that's full of flavor and just a bit cheesy. And the ease of this recipe makes it a great opportunity to get your kitchen-curious kiddo involved in making his own meal (or at least helping out).

Source: Sarah Lipoff

Macaroni and Cheese Soup

Macaroni and Cheese Soup

What could be more appealing to kids than macaroni and cheese soup? Add some roasted tomatoes on top if you want to up the gourmet factor. The best part about this soup: it's even better when reheated!

Set Up a DIY Pasta Bar

Set Up a DIY Pasta Bar

When we came across our friends at POPSUGAR Food's genius idea for a Pasta Party, we knew right away that the concept would be a guaranteed kid-pleaser. Check out their plan, then scale it down to kiddie-size, and simplify the steps for an easy and fun family dinner (one that incidentally also uses up plenty of pantry and fridge leftovers!).