When I thought of the idea for my “Meals Kids LOVE Around the World” series, I knew I had to include some sort of ode to the classic kid’s dish of buttered noodles. In western countries, buttered noodles are by far one of the most popular items for children. So, I was thrilled to receive a submission from Deborah and her daughter Penny for their garlic angel hair pasta.

Deborah and her daughter Penny live in San Antonio, Texas. They both agree that angel hair garlic pasta is their favorite pasta of all time. Deborah says that to make angel hair garlic pasta for her children, she boils angel hair pasta until cooked. Then, she tosses the pasta with butter, olive oil, garlic, and white wine to make a unique sauce. Usually, Deborah and her children Jerry and Penny make this dish on Friday nights. This dish is a great one to have the children help out, and they love involving the whole family. 

Penny says that she loves this dish because, in her words, it tastes like “warm yellow deliciousness.” Penny mentions that she loves how buttery and garlicky the dish tastes. Her mom, Deborah, claims that many children love this dish because the flavors are very plain, and it is reminiscent of classic buttered noodles.

Penny thinks other kids should try this dish because the flavors are universally likable. Penny and Deborah don’t have any special history with this dish: it isn’t a dish they grew up eating or holds any special significance. But, they love garlic angel hair pasta because it is simply delicious. 

I was thrilled to make this dish and have a child try it. I think that this dish is very reminiscent of buttered noodles, but with a slight twist. It is really a delicious pasta dish. The white wine gives this dish just a little bit more depth of flavor than your typical buttered noodles. Because the alcohol in the wine cooks off, it gives it a slightly stronger flavor. I think that this dish would be perfect for a kid who is interested in trying something familiar but with a little twist. Let’s find out!

I gave this dish to eight-year-old Gordon to try. Gordon loves trying new foods, so he was excited to try something a little different. Gordon loves this garlic pasta! He says that he particularly enjoys how there is more than one flavor in this dish. Instead of just buttered noodles, kids appreciate the little bit of extra flavor brought by the white wine. Gordon would definitely recommend this dish to other children.