Thermos Turkey Meatballs with Soft Penne

Preheat the insulated lunch thermos for your 10-year-old: Fill the thermos with boiling water, seal the lid, and let it sit to warm up while you prepare the meal.

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tbsp of salt and 13 oz of uncooked penne pasta. Cook the pasta for 9 minutes for the 10-year-old's portion, then scoop out their serving. Leave the remaining pasta in the boiling water for an extra 3 minutes so it becomes very soft and easy to chew for the 2-year-old. Drain all pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.

While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Peel and mince 3 garlic cloves, then add them to the pan and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.

Pour 24 oz of canned crushed tomatoes into the saucepan with the garlic. Season with 1/2 tsp of salt and 1/4 tsp of black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 8 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Prepare the 0.5 lb of leftover cooked turkey meatballs from Day 1: Cut 2 to 3 of the meatballs into quarters (bite-sized pieces) for the 2-year-old. Leave the remaining meatballs whole or cut them in half for the 10-year-old.

Add all of the prepared meatballs to the simmering tomato sauce. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until they are thoroughly heated through. Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil leaves.

Combine the drained penne pasta with the warm tomato sauce and meatballs. Stir in 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese, tossing gently until the cheeses are completely melted and gooey. If the sauce is too thick, stir in 2 to 3 tbsp of the reserved pasta cooking water.

Pack the 10-year-old's school lunch: Empty the hot water from the preheated thermos. Immediately pack the hot penne and whole/halved meatballs into the thermos and seal tightly to lock in the heat.

Serve the 2-year-old: Place the very soft penne and quartered meatballs on a toddler-safe plate, allowing it to cool to a safe warm temperature before serving.