Ragdoll Rainbow Pasta
Colorful, jiggly pasta strands tossed in a tangy tomato sauce, creating a playful dish that's as fun to eat as it is to make. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs elbow macaroni, drops red food coloring, drops yellow food coloring for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 drops red food coloring
- 3 drops yellow food coloring
- 3 drops blue food coloring
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 minced cloves garlic
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 cups water to a rolling boil in a large pot, add 8 oz elbow macaroni, and cook for 8 minutes until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Divide the cooked pasta into three equal portions. In separate bowls, mix 3 drops red food coloring into one portion, 3 drops yellow into another, and 3 drops blue into the third, then gently toss until evenly colored.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, then add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant (do not brown).
- Step 4: Pour in 1 cup chicken broth and 1/2 cup diced tomatoes, then bring to a gentle simmer; add 1/2 cup diced bell peppers and cook for 5 minutes until peppers are tender.
- Step 5: Stir in the colored pasta and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, tossing gently until cheese melts and coats the pasta (2 minutes).
- Step 6: Remove from heat, sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil, and serve immediately for a vibrant, fun dish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ragdoll Rainbow Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Ragdoll Rainbow 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 Ragdoll Rainbow 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 Ragdoll Rainbow 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 Ragdoll Rainbow Pasta?
Italian pasta 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
- ★★☆☆☆
The proportions seem off. Way too much of some ingredients.
