Create a pasta side dish
Make a simple pasta side dish with cooked pasta, olive oil, cherry tomatoes, basil, and parmesan, practicing safe chopping and measuring.
Step-by-step guide to make a simple pasta side dish
10 Easy Pasta Recipes
Step 1
Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
Step 2
Gather all the Materials Needed and place them on the counter within reach.
Step 3
Measure 1 tablespoon of olive oil using a measuring spoon and pour it into the mixing bowl.
Step 4
Put the cooked pasta into the mixing bowl with the olive oil.
Step 5
Rinse the cherry tomatoes and basil under cold running water.
Step 6
Pat the tomatoes and basil dry with the clean towel.
Step 7
With adult supervision use the child-safe knife to cut each cherry tomato in half on the cutting board.
Step 8
Tear the basil leaves into small pieces using your fingers.
Step 9
Add the cut tomatoes and torn basil to the bowl with the pasta and olive oil.
Step 10
Measure 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan and sprinkle it over the pasta.
Step 11
Use the wooden spoon to gently toss everything until evenly mixed.
Step 12
Ask an adult to check the dish and give permission to taste.
Step 13
Share your finished pasta side dish on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have a child-safe knife or grated Parmesan listed in the materials?
If you don't have a child-safe knife, ask an adult to pre-slice the cherry tomatoes on the cutting board, and if you don't have grated Parmesan, substitute 2 tablespoons of finely shredded mozzarella or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast when you add the cheese.
What should we do if the cherry tomatoes get squashed or the olive oil doesn't coat the pasta evenly?
If tomatoes squash while following step 7, have the child slice gently with a sawing motion or an adult pre-halves them on the cutting board, and if the oil doesn't coat the pasta in step 4–5, warm the cooked pasta slightly and then measure and pour the 1 tablespoon olive oil into the mixing bowl before tossing in step 12.
How can we adapt this activity for younger children or older kids?
For younger children, skip step 7 and have an adult rinse and halve the tomatoes and pre-measure the 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons Parmesan, while older kids can do the measuring, use the child-safe knife under supervision, and lead step 12 tossing with the wooden spoon.
What are simple ways to extend or personalize the pasta side dish after completing the recipe?
After sprinkling the Parmesan in step 11 and before tossing in step 12, personalize the dish by adding a squeeze of lemon, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, a pinch of cracked pepper, or 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts for extra flavor and texture.
Watch videos on how to make a simple pasta side dish
Simply Kids Cook - Homemade Pasta
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Simply Kids Cook - Homemade Pasta
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Facts about basic cooking skills for kids
🌿 Fresh basil releases its best flavor when added at the end of cooking or gently torn instead of finely chopped.
🍝 Italy has hundreds of pasta shapes — each shape is often paired with a different kind of sauce!
🫒 Olive trees can live for centuries; some famous trees are over 1,000 years old.
🔪 Practicing measuring and safe knife skills in the kitchen helps kids learn fractions and stay safer — a sharp knife can be safer than a dull one.
🧀 Real Parmigiano-Reggiano is aged at least 12 months and gains a nuttier, stronger flavor the longer it ages.
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What safety tips and variations should I consider?
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