Peoria PlayHouse Puppet Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Colorful pasta with vegetable sauce, perfect for young chefs to make. This italian-inspired kid friendly ready in about 30 minutes pairs elbow macaroni, zucchini, yellow bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving is portion-balanced and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.3 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add 8 oz elbow macaroni, and cook for 8 minutes until al dente.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, dice 1 medium zucchini and 1/2 yellow bell pepper into 1/4-inch cubes.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add 2 minced garlic cloves, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add the diced zucchini and bell pepper, cooking for 5 minutes until softened but still bright green.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
  6. Step 6: Pour in 1 cup chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Step 7: Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot, adding 1/2 cup of the vegetable sauce and tossing to coat.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Peoria PlayHouse Puppet Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Peoria PlayHouse Puppet Pasta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep elbow macaroni from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Peoria PlayHouse Puppet Pasta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Peoria PlayHouse Puppet Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Peoria PlayHouse Puppet Pasta?

Italian kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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