Easy Thanksgiving Pasta Recipes (Kid-Approved)

Discover wholesome Thanksgiving pasta dishes perfect for the entire family, including little ones! Featuring fall-inspired ingredients that bring warmth and comfort, these delicious recipes are not only festive but also nourishing and easy to make.

Thanksgiving Pasta Recipes

Calling on all the pasta lovers! Pasta is a year-round favorite, but there's something extra special about it during the fall and onwards when you yearn for a cozy, comforting pasta dish to warm you up.

All of these recipes are like warm hug on an ordinary weekday, but they also have that special touch to shine on Thanksgiving and other holidays.

And considering the hustle and bustle that often comes with the holiday season, you'll absolutely love how effortless these fall pasta recipes are to prepare with just a few ingredients.

Not only are they nutritious, ensuring you stay nourished and full of energy, but they're also budget-friendly, making them perfect for serving a crowd when you have family over during Thanksgiving.

1. Pumpkin Pasta Bake

This is hands down one of my kids' favorite pasta dishes! It's always on our Thanksgiving menu, and I also make it all year-round thanks to canned pumpkin being available at anytime.

Simply combine cooked pasta and your choice of vegetables in a spacious casserole dish, along with a full can of pumpkin, tomato sauce, and cheese. 30 minutes in the oven and you've got a rich, creamy, and satisfying meal that's both hearty and delicious.

If you happen to have pre-frozen cooked pasta, it'll make this dish come together even faster.

2. Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce

If you're not in the mood to fire up the oven, you can easily whip up this pumpkin pasta sauce on the stovetop. It's made with beans for an added protein kick, and features the warm, comforting flavors of sage and nutmeg that make you feel like it's cozy fall all year round.

3. Carrot Pasta

While pumpkin often steals the spotlight, let's not forget about carrots! This creamy sauce is not only packed with nutrition but also boasts a delightful sweet and savory flavor that pairs seamlessly with pasta.

4. Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce

Similar to the pumpkin pasta sauce, the luscious texture of this delicious pasta dish comes from roasted butternut squash and beans, creating an incredible combination of flavors and creaminess.

And if you want to up the cozy factor, just mix in some yogurt and cheese for that extra creamy touch.

5. Butternut Squash Curry with Chickpeas

This butternut squash curry is a comforting one-pot meal that perfectly satisfies your fall comfort food cravings. While it's traditionally enjoyed with rice, it can also be a delightful sauce poured over noodles or pasta!

6. Thai Red Curry Pasta

The combination of pumpkin and coconut milk is dreamy. I liken it to the marriage of warm apple pie and vanilla ice cream. Plus, this pasta dish is a breeze to whip up, using just a few basic pantry ingredients, ensuring a quick and easy meal.

7. Sweet Potato Sauce

Prepare this creamy sweet potato sauce by roasting sweet potatoes and red bell peppers, then blending them with silken tofu and milk.

With some veggie prep done ahead of time, you can have this sweet potato pasta ready in just 15 minutes or even less, depending on your pasta's cooking time.

You can also add in some leftover turkey.

8. Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

This easy dinner is made all in ONE pan. You don't even have to boil the pasta!

Simply dump everything into a baking dish (you can even add some pumpkin or sweet potato puree), cover, put in the oven, and go on about your day! A delicious, hearty meal awaits you.

9. Stuffed Shells

This stuffed shells recipe is perfect for making ahead or even as a freezer meal. It may require a bit more prep work than some other pasta dishes, but you can conveniently prepare it ahead of time, like the night before a significant gathering.

All you need is a delicious beef and cheese filling and some jumbo pasta shells – it's easy to put together. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can get creative and add in any leftover Thanksgiving dishes as fillings too!

10. Poached Cod with Creamy Orzo

This one-pot wonder might sound fancy and a bit challenging to prepare, but you can absolutely make it, even if you have a baby and a toddler keeping you busy.

You'll be cooking orzo in a straightforward sauce that thickens and creates a creamy delight, similar to risotto but without the constant stirring. Plus, you'll poach cod in the same pot until it's perfectly tender and flaky. You can also use salmon as an alternative if you prefer.

11. Homemade Hamburger Helper

This hamburger helper is a fantastic choice, especially when you have a bunch of kids to feed. It's hearty, comforting, satisfying, and something they'll recognize and love – it's like a cheeseburger in pasta form. A true crowd pleaser.

The best part? Just dump and stir, and the pasta cooks right alongside the other ingredients.

12. Beet Pesto Pasta

The color of this beet pesto is just stunning and is sure to catch everyone's attention. It's a unique and captivating meal that will pique your guests' interest.

Preparing it is easy and there are many ways to enjoy it. Toss with pasta or serve as a dip with bread and vegetables.

13. Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles

During the holiday season, our stovetop and oven work overtime, so this Instant Pot chicken and noodles is a fantastic choice when you want to ease their load.

Think of this as creamy chicken and dumplings meet chicken noodle soup.

It's become a staple for my family around Thanksgiving when we're all worn out from cooking and in need of a quick, comforting meal. I hope it will also become a cherished go-to meal for your family during the holidays.

P.S this tastes god with cranberry sauce too (so my kids say!)

14. Curried Chicken and Carrot Couscous

This is the kind of recipe you'll find yourself making repeatedly because it's practical, nutritious, and makes for the perfect family dinner that kids love as well.

15. Pizza Casserole with Couscous

While this pizza casserole might not be the typical Thanksgiving fare, it's still a great recipe to have on hand during this hectic season. It requires minimal effort and can be an excellent alternative for kids who might not be enthusiastic about the usual Thanksgiving dishes.  It's also a wonderful dinner year-round with its satisfying heartiness.