5 Healthier Pasta Recipes

Baked ratatouille casserole — Kana Okada

Healthy dinners go light on the noodles and load up on veggies and protein. Dig into these recipes that make a hearty family meal out of just 8 ounces of pasta.

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Paella-style pasta — Kana Okada

Kana Okada

Paella-Style Pasta

A family-friendly take on a Spanish favorite, this dish relies on shrimp and veggies to bulk up the orzo. Double the amount of corn if your kid doesn't like peas -- or vice versa.

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Sausage and white bean orecchiette — Kana Okada

Kana Okada

Sausage & White Bean Orecchiette

Have you heard? Protein-packed beans mix well with ear-shaped pasta. If you're following a diet low in saturated fat, use turkey or chicken sausage to make the dish.

Stock up kids' dishware.

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Paella Pasta Bake_Still

This dinner dish combines pasta with the flavors of paella. Orzo, shrimp, grape tomatoes, peas, corn, and some simple spices creates this great family meal.

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Fettuccine with meatballs — Kana Okada

Kana Okada

Fettuccine With Meatballs

The protein-rich meatballs will help fill your kids up.

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How to Eat Healthy: Raising Nutrition-Smart Kids

Healthy eating is the foundation of a healthy life. Here is how you can raise nutrition-smart kids.

How to Raise Nutrition-Savvy Kids

Healthy eating is the foundation of a healthy life. Here is how you can help your kids be smart about nutrition.

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Bacon, spinach, and chickpea spaghetti — Kana Okada

Kana Okada

On Top of Spaghetti

... put bacon, spinach, and protein-rich chickpeas! If your kid snubs spinach, try making the dish with broccoli instead.

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Mac 'n' Cheese Ratatouille Bake_still

The Mac 'n' Cheese Ratatouille Bake is packed with vegetables and puts a new spin on a French classic that the whole family will love.

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Baked ratatouille casserole — Kana Okada

Kana Okada

Baked Ratatouille Casserole

Watch the classic Disney flick first, then watch your kids gobble up the eggplant in this dish.

Originally published in the December 2014 issue of Parents magazine.

By Suzanne Lenzer

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