Pasta Shell Bento Box
Table of Contents
When I came across these large pasta shells in the supermarket, I instantly thought these would be great for my son!
They can be filled, or simply mixed with a bolognaise! If I have the time I do really enjoy making a filling for the pasta shells.
The creamy chicken filling I have used for this recipe is perfect. It’s a great snack or finger food lunch!
The pasta shells can be great on their own as a substantial lunch for your little ones, and you can save the other items for snacks later on.
This bento box has the perfect combination of protein, carbohydrates and calcium!
I have added in some olives as my son really enjoys them, but I understand that they may not be to everyone’s taste, especially little ones. So you can leave these out for another favourite such as cucumber or cherry tomatoes.
This is a great filling lunch that is great for your children and also great for you too! If you double the mixture you will have a lunch for yourself too!
Ingredient information
Extra large pasta shells - These are great to fill, and great finger food for little hands. Perfect as a snack or part of a lunch or dinner.
Cooked chicken pieces - If you have any leftover chicken this is great to use in this recipe. Or you can buy the cooked chicken from the supermarket.
Spinach - I have used fresh spinach, and popped in the microwave to cook.
Mascarpone - This is a delicious cheese, and great for sauces and dips!
Oregano - A delicious herb that works perfectly with this recipe. You can add a touch of basil too, which is delicious!
Black pepper - I have seasoned the pasta filling with black pepper without the salt. Works perfectly without the salt.
Cheddar cheese - I have used a mild cheddar cheese, you can use a mature cheddar.
Olives - My son loves olives, I have used lemon and herb olives, you can substitute the olives for cucumber or tomato if preferred.
Grapes - I have used black grapes halved but you can use green grapes. My son loves cheese and grapes, also a great snack too!
Serving suggestion
The bento box can be served on its own, if you did want to add anything to go with the box, I would add a plain Greek yogurt with a blueberry purée swirl! A delicious sweet treat for your little ones. I would serve at the same time with the bento box so that your little one can explore with all the food together.
Storage instructions
This bento box can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days in the fridge. It is best eaten on the day.
Recipe | Pasta Shell Bento Box
Makes 1 bento box
4 extra large pasta shells
4 small pieces of cooked chicken, diced small
A small handful fresh spinach, cooked
2 tablespoons mascarpone
1/2 teaspoon oregano
Black pepper
2 slices mature cheddar cheese, cut into squares or your favourite small cutter
4 olives, lemon and herb
2 grapes, halved
Instructions
Start by cooking the pasta shells in hot water for 10 minutes.
Cook the spinach leaves in a bowl in the microwave with a little water for 45 seconds. Drain off any excess water.
Add the chicken, mascarpone, oregano and black pepper to the spinach bowl and stir until combined.
Take approx 2 teaspoons of the mixture and fill the 4 pasta shells. Place in the bento box.
Place the olives in one section of the bento box.
Place the grapes and cheese in the bento box
Hope you and your family enjoy!
Recipe notes
If you didn’t have the large pasta shells, you can make the chicken filling and mix with your pasta of choice to make a delicious pasta salad! Your little ones will love it!
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