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Kid-Friendly Cheesy Tomato Pasta

Pasta dinner for kids - the image is a close-up of a bowl of pasta dish. the pasta appears to be fusilli, which is a type of spiral-shaped pasta, and is covered in a tomato-based sauce. the sauce is a bright orange color and has chunks of red bell peppers and onions scattered throughout. the dish is garnished with chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese. the bowl is made of dark brown ceramic and is sitting on a dark wooden table. there are a few sprigs of parsley scattered around the bowl, adding a pop of green color to the dish.

A simple and delicious pasta dinner perfect for kids, featuring tender pasta tossed in a mild tomato sauce with melted cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

8 ounces elbow macaroni pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
Add the minced garlic to the saucepan and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then stir in sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot.
Pour the tomato sauce over the pasta and stir to combine evenly.
Add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese to the pasta and gently stir until the cheese is melted and the pasta is coated.
Serve the pasta in bowls, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.