Kids Can Create Their Own Takeout at Pasta Fasta

We’ve all been there — you’re shuttling the kids from school to sports practice, or from lessons to a playdate, and there’s just no time to stop at home for a meal. Fast food is practical but isn’t healthy, and even (slightly) healthier options like Subway and Chipotle can get boring. 

Now, Chicagoans can enjoy pasta on-the-go thanks to Pasta Fasta. The European-based fast casual pasta restaurant recently opened its first US location in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. 

Quick details about Pasta Fasta

• Address: 2468B N. Clark St., Chicago
• Hours: 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Closed on Mondays. 
• Cost: Around $10-$20 

At Pasta Fasta, guests choose their portion size and get to pick their noodles, sauce and toppings, similar to ordering at comparable fast casual restaurants like Chipotle, Panda Express and Subway. Kids will love getting to customize their meal and watching as their own pasta box is made in front of them. 

Cute and convenient takeout boxes make it easy to take food on the go, but there is seating in the restaurant for families that want to sit and enjoy the experience of customizing their noodles. 

Families can also order Pasta Fasta for delivery on UberEats, DoorDash or toast. 

How to order at Pasta Fasta with kids

Ordering at Pasta Fasta is so easy that even kids can place a custom order. Before you go, check out some of the yummy pasta dishes on the menu, and get more information on what to expect when creating your own custom pasta. 

Choose a box

This is the easiest step! Choose from small ($7.90-plus), medium ($10.80-plus) or large ($13.60-plus) take out containers to build your pasta dish in. We recommend a small box for kids, but you can never go wrong ordering too much pasta! 

Pick your pasta

For pantry items that are made out of all the same ingredients, kids sure can be picky about the shape of their noodles! At Pasta Fasta, every member of the family can enjoy their favorite pasta. Pick from farfalle bow ties, spaghetti, penne or even gluten-free penne. 

Pick your sauce

So, what’ll it be? Classic marinara or bolognese? Creamy alfredo or ricotta? Choose from 10 different sauces that range from traditional to inventive to create your own unique pasta dish. Fear not, picky eaters — plain pasta is available, too. 

Add your toppings

Customize your pasta creation with extra veggies, olives, parmesan cheese or sunflower seeds to create a dish that has all of your favorite flavors and textures. Bon appetit! 

Order from the menu 

Not feeling creative? There’s still a pasta for you! Pasta Fasta offers both hot and cold menu items that are so good, you won’t have to customize them. Grown ups might enjoy the Butterfly pasta — your choice of cold noodles with spinach, beans, pesto, lemon and olive oil — or Aglio & Olio — cold pasta with peppers, garlic, red peppers, oregano and olive oil. 

Other things to do nearby with kids 

• Visit the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum for interactive, nature-focused play opportunities and an incredible butterfly garden. 
• Take a trip to the Lincoln Park Zoo. Discover hundreds of animals, a treehouse playground and exciting programs for families. The zoo is free and open every day of the year. 
• The beautiful  Lincoln Park Conservatory is just a walk away from the zoo. On sunny days, be sure to take a stroll through the gorgeous gardens on the lawn. 
• Walk the yellow brick road at Oz Park, a small park with an Oz-themed playground, Emerald City flower garden and statues of the Tin Man, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion and, of course, Dorothy and Toto.
• Catch a movie on the big screen at Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema.

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