(
This post was written by Children's Museum Blog Ambassador, Krista Marshall. Follow Krista's posts on the blog or follow her on Twitter @everydaymomsmls.
Can you believe we are halfway through September already? Most of the kids have been back to school for about a month, and before we know it, the leaves will be falling and autumn will be in full swing.
As much as we don’t wish time away in our house, we've been looking forward to the end of September for a while now. Why? Because as of September 26th, The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will be a part of our beloved Children’s Museum.
My son is such a fan of these guys, just as I was when I was a kid. Since 1984, these “Heroes in a Half-Shell” have been thrilling kids with their ninja ways and teamwork—both of which our family has a special connection to.
See, both my husband and son train in Tae Kwon Do…so I have not one, but two "ninjas" at my house. And well, this summer something special happened. Alex, at the age of 10, became a National Champion, winning a GOLD medal at the National Championships!!
So, you can understand why he has a special relationship with Michelangelo, Donatello, Raphael, and Leonardo. Oh, and something else he has in common with them, besides mad ninja skills? A deep love of pizza. The Turtles can’t get enough—and neither can he.
As mom though, I’m always trying to find new ways to keep his favorites new and exciting. So, what about combining it with another of his favorite foods….pasta? It’s like a match made in heaven. The perfect simple meal for a movie/pizza night at home, and you can easily add your favorite toppings for a whole new flavor.
We can’t wait to go to the museum to check out the new Ninja Turtles exhibit. I know my little ninja will enjoy every single minute; and when we get back home we can continue the fun with this delicious, family friendly meal!
Pizza Pasta Skillet
- 1 lb. Italian sausage
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (4 oz.) can sliced mushrooms
- 1 (14 oz.) jar pizza sauce
- 1 (10 ¾ oz.) can cream of mushroom soup
- ½ c. pepperoni, chopped, reserve a few whole for top
- ¼ tsp. Italian seasoning, extra for top
- ¼ tsp. garlic powder
- ¼ tsp. onion powder
- 1 lb. elbow macaroni
- ½ c. grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ c. shredded mozzarella cheese
Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, brown sausage, chopped pepperoni and pepper. Drain off extra grease. In a large bowl whisk together sauce, soup, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese. When macaroni cooked, drain well. Add to sausage mixture. Stir well. Pour sauce over mixture. Gently stir until incorporated. Reduce heat to low. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Italian seasoning. Top with extra pepperoni. Cover and keep on warm until cheese has melted.
