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Kid-Friendly Pizza Pasta & Homemade Lunchables

September 4, 2017 by Brandie @ The Country Cook 64 Comments

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This is a sponsored conversation on behalf of Borden® Cheese. All opinions and text are my own.

Kids + Pizza = Happy

I don’t know about y’all, but my kid, like many kids, loves pizza. Big time. I’m pretty sure he would eat it for every single meal if I let him! 🙂 So, when thinking about back-to-school lunches, my mind goes to pizza-inspired lunches for him. As he gets older, he is starting to experiment more with different flavors and veggies (thank goodness – finally!) but I also need to keep the lunches simple enough for me and my husband to put together in the morning, yet still nutritious enough to keep him fueled all day long. Easy to make school lunch ideas

Lunches for kids and parents

So today I am sharing TWO lunch ideas for kiddos. These are easily tailored to the tastes that your kids will love. These are also lunches that you can take to work for yourself (pepperoni smiley faces are optional). 😉 Included in both of these lunch ideas are Borden® Cheese shreds.  Every slice, single and chunk of Borden® Cheese is pure, creamy goodness that transforms lunchtime into something memorable. It is also delicious and nutritious with calcium and protein packed into every shred, single, chunk or bite. Even if you just pop some Borden® Cheese String Cheese or Borden®Snack Bars – which just so happen to be a great source of calcium and protein – into their packed lunch, you can feel good knowing you packed some nutrition (and love) into their day. 🙂 prepared bowl kid friendly pasta salad

 

Kid-Friendly Pizza Pasta Salad

First up is this pizza pasta salad. I am using vegetable rotini noodles, a mix of Italian dressing and pizza sauce, pepperoni slices, and of course, the Borden® Cheese shreds. My son enjoys raw broccoli so I think I might throw some of that in there next time. You could also add in whatever veggies your child loves (olives, diced tomatoes, sliced mushrooms or diced green/red/yellow peppers). Kid-Friendly Pizza Pasta Salad recipe from The Country Cook

Ingredients:
1 (16 oz) box vegetable rotini
1 1/2 cups Italian dressin
1/2 cup pizza sauce
2 tsp. Italian seasoning (optional)
3 oz. sliced pepperoni, cut in half
2 cups Borden®Cheese Cheddar & Monterey Jack Shreds
1/2 cup Borden®Cheese Finely Shredded Aged Parmesan Shreds
Optional add-ins: diced green pepper, sliced mushrooms, diced tomato, broccoli florets

ingredients for pizza pasta salad

Directions:

Cook rotini according to package directions. Drain and rinse pasta under cold water until cool. Place pasta into a large bowl.rinsing rotini pasta

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together Italian dressing with pizza sauce and Italian seasoning.italian dressing and pizza sauce

Pour dressing mixture over cooled pasta. Stir well.

pouring dressing over pasta saladThen stir in pepperoni and Borden® Cheese shreds (and any other additional veggies you are using).

Borden shredded cheese mixed in with pasta

Cover with plastic wrap and place into the refrigerator to cool for 2 hours before serving.

plastic wrapped bowl

When it’s time to pack lunches, put some pasta salad in a lidded container. Pack some baby carrots and apple slices on the side. Packed kid's lunch, pasta salad, carrots and sliced apples, back-to-school

Don’t forget to pack a fork and a freezer pack to keep it cool until lunch time!bowl of pasta salad with rotini noodles, cheese, pepperoni and Italian dressing

Homemade Pizza Lunchables

I like to use compartmental containers for this. You can also use small bowl containers with lids or those Bento boxes that are pretty popular these days. My son is older now and he eats a lot more so I have to send more food with him than I did when he was in elementary school. Borden® Cheese adds a good source of protein to this lunch, providing the necessary nutrition to get him through the day while delivering a great flavor I know he will eat. This larger-sized one is perfect for him. Homemade Pizza Lunchables recipe from The Country Cook

Ingredients:
sandwich thins (slims)
pizza sauce
Borden®Cheese Triple Cheddar Shreds
pepperoni slices
compartment lunch container
spoon
freezer pack

ingredients for homemade pizza lunchables

Directions:

Place Borden®Cheese Triple Cheddar Shreds in one of the compartments and pizza sauce in another. Then open up the sandwich slims and place them in the third compartment. I cut out some of the pepperoni slices to make a face. I used some of the Borden® Cheese shreds to make the eyes for the smiley face. My son is almost 12 years old and he still loves lunches like this! Pizza Lunchable with pepperoni, back to school, kids lunches

Don’t forget to include a spoon and a freezer pack (to keep it cool until lunch time). 🙂 I like to pick up a few disposable spoons for school lunches. So if they accidentally get thrown away – it’s not a big deal.
Smiley Face Pizza Lunchable with sandwich thins

Enjoy! Kids Super Hero LunchKids Super Hero Lunch

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5 from 27 votes
prepared bowl kid friendly pasta salad
Print
Kid-Friendly Pizza Pasta
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
25 mins
 
Course: lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 10
Calories: 281 kcal
Author: Brandie @ The Country Cook
Ingredients
  • 1 16 oz box vegetable rotini
  • 1 1/2 cups Italian dressing
  • 1/2 cup pizza sauce
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning optional
  • 3 oz sliced pepperoni cut in half
  • 2 cups Borden® Cheddar and Monterey Jack Shreds
  • 1/2 cup Borden® Finely Shredded Aged Parmesan Shreds
Instructions
  1. Cook rotini according to package directions. Drain and rinse pasta under cold water until cool. Place pasta into a large bowl.
  2. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together Italian dressing with pizza sauce and Italian seasoning.
  3. Pour dressing mixture over cooled pasta. Stir well.
  4. Then stir in pepperoni and Borden cheeses (and any other additional veggies you are using).
  5. Cover with plastic wrap and place into the refrigerator to cool for 2 hours before serving.
Recipe Notes

Optional add-ins:
diced green pepper, sliced mushrooms, diced tomato, broccoli florets

Nutrition Facts
Kid-Friendly Pizza Pasta
Amount Per Serving
Calories 281 Calories from Fat 90
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 10g 15%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 517mg 22%
Potassium 184mg 5%
Total Carbohydrates 40g 13%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Sugars 6g
Protein 6g 12%
Vitamin A 1.5%
Vitamin C 1.3%
Calcium 2.3%
Iron 5.4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

 

5 from 27 votes
Smiley Face Pizza Lunchable with sandwich thins
Print
Homemade Pizza Lunchables
Prep Time
10 mins
Total Time
10 mins
 
Course: lunch
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 291 kcal
Author: Brandie @ The Country Cook
Ingredients
  • 8 sandwich thins slims
  • 2 cups pizza sauce
  • 2 cups Borden®Triple Cheddar Shreds
  • 12 pepperoni slices
  • compartment lunch containers
  • spoon
  • freezer pack
Instructions
  1. Place Borden® Triple Cheddar Shreds in one of the compartments and pizza sauce in another.

  2. Then open up the sandwich slims and place them in the third compartment. I cut out some of the pepperoni slices to make a face. Use some of the Borden® cheese shreds to make the eyes for the smiley face.

  3. Don't forget to include a spoon and a freezer pack to keep it chilled until lunch. 

Nutrition Facts
Homemade Pizza Lunchables
Amount Per Serving
Calories 291 Calories from Fat 189
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 21g 32%
Saturated Fat 12g 60%
Cholesterol 65mg 22%
Sodium 1106mg 46%
Potassium 477mg 14%
Total Carbohydrates 8g 3%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Sugars 5g
Protein 17g 34%
Vitamin A 21.9%
Vitamin C 10.4%
Calcium 42.3%
Iron 9.6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Filed Under: lunch, salads, side dishes Tagged With: kid friendly

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Colleen Derringer says

    September 4, 2017 at 2:14 pm

    I love anything that is good and leftover and can keep in my lunch box

    Reply
  2. Jodi Thompson says

    September 4, 2017 at 2:27 pm

    Lookin’ Good!

    Reply
  3. Mary Felsman says

    September 4, 2017 at 2:43 pm

    Wherer is the rafflecopter box?

    Reply
  4. Sheree D Snyder says

    September 4, 2017 at 2:49 pm

    You have the most wonderful ideas. Love your videos and recipes! Thank you!!!

    Reply
  5. Nicole says

    September 4, 2017 at 3:26 pm

    I love using leftovers for an easy lunch to pack for the next day!

    Reply
  6. gloria kinsey says

    September 4, 2017 at 3:39 pm

    I like the pizza pasta for kids and they like it to

    Reply
  7. Tim says

    September 4, 2017 at 4:24 pm

    My favorite is ham and cheese with mayo. I take the mayo in a separate container so it won’t ruin the bread.

    Reply
  8. Jackie Guillemette says

    September 4, 2017 at 4:59 pm

    What a great idea, the recipies look easy and delicious.

    Reply
  9. Jan says

    September 4, 2017 at 5:44 pm

    Favorite is ham and cheese

    Reply
  10. Jennifer Cheek-Payan says

    September 4, 2017 at 5:51 pm

    I usually take leftovers for lunch but I really love bringing tuna sandwiches lately….

    Reply
  11. Nancy says

    September 4, 2017 at 5:57 pm

    I love peanut butter sandwiches!

    Reply
  12. Dee Johnson says

    September 4, 2017 at 6:39 pm

    I love packing turkey and cheese sandwiches.

    Reply
  13. Tina says

    September 4, 2017 at 6:41 pm

    Peanut butter and jelly. Lately my son wants me to make him subs.

    Reply
  14. Heather king says

    September 4, 2017 at 6:52 pm

    I love ham or mesquite turkey sandwich, with midget pickles! Yummy!

    Reply
  15. Janice says

    September 4, 2017 at 7:30 pm

    Leftovers !!! ????

    Reply
  16. Beverly DeBonis says

    September 4, 2017 at 8:12 pm

    Anything on a fresh hard roll.

    Reply
  17. Melissa says

    September 4, 2017 at 8:43 pm

    I like to pack a salami and cheese sandwich on whole grain bread!

    Reply
  18. Annette says

    September 5, 2017 at 12:35 am

    I love cold fried foods like shrimp or chicken for lunch.

    Reply
  19. Lisa Ladd says

    September 5, 2017 at 1:40 am

    Anything quick and easy.

    Reply
  20. Chelsea says

    September 5, 2017 at 8:35 am

    I can’t wait to try this! This is one I k os my kids will love!

    Reply
  21. Emily Williams says

    September 5, 2017 at 10:06 am

    Always looking for great ideas for the my son’s lunches! Great ideas!

    Reply
  22. Daisha says

    September 5, 2017 at 10:23 am

    Looks yummy! Is there a place to enter giveaway?

    Reply
    • Brandie @ The Country Cook says

      September 5, 2017 at 2:18 pm

      Hi Daisha! If you are on mobile, there is a rectangular box that will say “Enter Giveaway” and then you just click on that. If you are on desktop, then you should see a large box that has a photo and says “Rafflecopter” If I could share a photo on the comments here, I would screenshot it for you. Don’t worry though, anyone who comments here (and leaves and email address) will automatically be entered to win! 🙂

      Reply
  23. Judy Logan says

    September 5, 2017 at 10:49 am

    Love the recipes

    Reply
  24. Sarah says

    September 5, 2017 at 11:09 am

    I love pizza and this is right up my alley!

    Reply
  25. Cheryl Huerta says

    September 5, 2017 at 1:32 pm

    I Love eating the good leftovers like a good spaghetti pasta sauce with cheese and a piece of Italian bread with a bit of butter for using up all the sauce.

    Reply
  26. Geoff says

    September 5, 2017 at 1:46 pm

    Leftover pizza always makes a good lunch

    Reply
  27. Beth says

    September 5, 2017 at 3:08 pm

    Does the sauce from your container spill into the others compartments?

    Reply
    • Brandie @ The Country Cook says

      September 9, 2017 at 1:04 pm

      Beth, if you have young kiddos, I would recommend a “Bento Box”. They are perfect for smaller kids because every spot has a separate lid that are easy to open. It also keeps everything contained for less mess! 🙂

      Reply
  28. Courtney Jones says

    September 5, 2017 at 3:14 pm

    We are all about leftovers for lunch in our family. I tend to make too much so this is a good way to make sure food doesn’t go to waste.

    Reply
  29. Kristin Threlkeld says

    September 5, 2017 at 8:02 pm

    These recipes look so good!

    Reply
  30. Danielle says

    September 5, 2017 at 8:06 pm

    A veggie sandwich and fruit 🙂

    Reply
  31. Stephanie S says

    September 5, 2017 at 8:07 pm

    We take leftovers for lunch.

    Reply
  32. Dianna Smith says

    September 5, 2017 at 8:21 pm

    Cheddar cheese and cucumber sandwiches..may sound not I g but delicious

    Reply
  33. TaNay says

    September 5, 2017 at 8:30 pm

    I love fixing back to school lunches with chili

    Reply
  34. Christina Hawkins says

    September 5, 2017 at 8:31 pm

    Chicken salad sandwiches

    Reply
  35. Jennifer Stephens says

    September 5, 2017 at 9:47 pm

    It all looks great!

    Reply
  36. Shawn says

    September 5, 2017 at 10:04 pm

    Homemade pizza faces

    Reply
  37. Stephanie says

    September 5, 2017 at 10:57 pm

    This is awesome and I would love to win this for my 1st grader. My Dad’ and his family delivered Bordens Milk befor I was born and stayed in the milk delivery business up until about 10 years ago.

    Reply
  38. amy melego says

    September 6, 2017 at 12:02 am

    My favorite lunch to pack is lunch money ???????? definitely making the pizza pasta though-looks delish

    Reply
  39. Kylie Bernt says

    September 6, 2017 at 12:25 am

    These look like an idea my son would love!

    Reply
  40. Kim says

    September 6, 2017 at 2:01 am

    I really enjoy reading your blog, but I would love to be able to turn off the automatic video that pops up Is there any way I can do that?

    Reply
    • Brandie @ The Country Cook says

      September 9, 2017 at 1:02 pm

      Thanks Kim! I’m working on that – thanks!

      Reply
  41. Liz says

    September 6, 2017 at 4:09 am

    I love good ole cheese sandwiches, made with Borden’s of course.

    Reply
  42. Kim says

    September 6, 2017 at 7:52 am

    I love all of your recipes! I will definitely be trying the pasta salad! It looks delicious!!

    Reply
  43. Julie says

    September 6, 2017 at 9:15 am

    I love packing fruit 🙂

    Reply
  44. Jen says

    September 6, 2017 at 9:25 am

    Leftovers are great! I like to make a big pot of chili or chicken soup in my slow cooker and have the extra for lunches.

    Reply
  45. Paula says

    September 6, 2017 at 10:10 am

    The recipes look good!

    Reply
  46. Christina Wagner says

    September 6, 2017 at 10:23 am

    I love packing wraps or salads.

    Reply
  47. KL Perez says

    September 6, 2017 at 11:08 am

    I think the pizza pasta salad would make a great side dish for dinner or pot luck dinner or even tailgating!

    Reply
  48. Becky says

    September 6, 2017 at 11:11 am

    Always looking for new ideas, especially for two picky boys!

    Reply
  49. Kassey Lewis says

    September 6, 2017 at 11:15 am

    My favorite is turkey, cheese and lettuce wrapped in a taco shell

    Reply
  50. Crystal Handshumaker says

    September 6, 2017 at 11:44 am

    Love love the pasta recipe! I will definitely be adding that to our lunch rotation.

    Reply
    • Brandie @ The Country Cook says

      September 9, 2017 at 1:01 pm

      Thanks so much Crystal!

      Reply
  51. Sharlene Villnave says

    September 6, 2017 at 1:03 pm

    Great ideas I’d love to win

    Reply
  52. Kristin F. says

    September 6, 2017 at 2:00 pm

    I love packing my 4 year old homemade lunchables and fruit!

    Reply
  53. Karen says

    September 6, 2017 at 3:39 pm

    The classic pb &j. Or leftovers. Quick and easy are key!

    Reply
  54. virginia n says

    September 6, 2017 at 6:00 pm

    my sons favorite is homemade burritos with fruit on side

    Reply
  55. Jenifer Wimberly says

    September 6, 2017 at 10:36 pm

    My favorite lunch to take is tuna fish on toast with baked sour cream and onion chips and a piece of fruit.

    Reply
  56. Vicky Adams says

    September 7, 2017 at 12:46 am

    I’m on my phone and don’t see anywhere to enter, so I’m entering by comment. Thanks for the opportunity! I love your recipes!

    Reply
  57. Chrystal says

    September 7, 2017 at 2:09 am

    Any kind of sammie or salad with lots of fresh fruit!!

    Reply
  58. Maggie says

    September 7, 2017 at 8:10 am

    Love the country cook!!! And this would be an awesome win!

    Reply
  59. Martha Vela says

    September 7, 2017 at 5:54 pm

    Cheesy chicken enchiladas

    Reply
  60. Jessica says

    September 10, 2017 at 8:50 am

    Love all of your recipes.

    Reply

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