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Easy Picky Eater Meal Plan 7 Kid-Approved Recipes That Work

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A collection of simple, kid-friendly meals designed to please picky eaters with familiar flavors and textures, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni or fun-shaped pasta
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 lb ground turkey or beef (optional)
  • 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese (small-curd preferred)
  • 1.5 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (can substitute dairy-free coconut yogurt)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup finely grated carrots
  • 1 cup finely chopped spinach (optional)
  • 1/4 cup applesauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp honey (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz elbow macaroni or fun-shaped pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 7-8 minutes, until just tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Season 1 lb chicken breasts with salt, pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from heat, let rest 5 minutes, then dice or shred.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly to form a roux.
  4. Slowly whisk in 2 cups milk (or dairy-free alternative), continuing to whisk until sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Remove sauce from heat. Stir in 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese until smooth, then fold in 1.5 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese. Add 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt for extra creaminess. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time.
  6. Stir in 1 cup frozen peas, 1/2 cup grated carrots, and 1 cup finely chopped spinach. The warmth will gently cook the veggies.
  7. In a large mixing bowl, toss cooked pasta, diced chicken, and creamy sauce mixture until evenly coated.
  8. Optional: Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned. If short on time, serve straight from stove.
  9. Let dish cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour and use gluten-free pasta. Blend cottage cheese for a smoother sauce. Avoid high heat to prevent sauce curdling. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of milk or water to refresh sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: picky eater, kid-friendly, easy dinner, creamy pasta, chicken recipe, quick meal, family meal

Find it online: https://yumbelle.com/easy-picky-eater-meal-plan-7-kid-approved-recipes-that-work/