This is a super easy recipe for the busy mamas out there with picky eaters. My trick is to cut the pasta with kitchen shears so that it’s the same size as the veggies. Once the sauce is on the pasta, the kids don’t notice any difference between the pasta and the veggies! This is a household favorite. Both of our boys love it and ask for it almost daily. I’d be lying if I said that my husband and I didn’t also enjoy this one. The best part: it’s got lots of veggies in it to keep your little ones healthy!
My choice ingredients:
- The Silver Palate Low Sodium Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce (https://a.co/d/3tocCR1), or The Silver Palate Low Sodium Marinara Pasta Sauce (https://a.co/d/gEptNE3). Pick whichever your kid will like more. We usually purchase the Low Sodium Tomato Basil from Publix.
- Barilla Whole Grain Pasta, Spaghetti (https://a.co/d/fwxGdOm), or Ronzini Garden Delight Veggie Pasta (https://a.co/d/24xr2z6).
- Veggies of your choice! I use thinly sliced bell peppers (I let my sons pick whichever color they want from the store), onion, and matchstick carrots. You can also use Broccoli Slaw (https://a.co/d/6O9YR0V), though I wouldn’t recommend using the entire package. Just remember: you will need to take the time to slice the veggies thin and short (the same size you will cut the pasta). I cut everything the same size as the matchstick carrots.
- Optional: Garlic, herbs of your choice, or cheese to sprinkle on top! (I sprinkle some cheese in the sauce while it’s warming on the stove).
Here are my “more exact” selections for this super easy supper:
- 1 jar The Silver Palate Low Sodium Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce (https://a.co/d/7GTEUxF)
- 1/2 bell pepper (any color-our favorite is red), thinly sliced*
- 1/2 small onion, thinly sliced*
- 2 -3 cloves of garlic, minced
- Approx. 1/4 bag of matchstick carrots (https://a.co/d/g4bWvtx)*
- Italian herb mix to taste (I use about 1-2 t.) (https://a.co/d/6TByMXJ)
- Grated parmesan cheese, optional, to taste.
- Barilla Whole Grain Pasta, Spaghetti (https://a.co/d/fwxGdOm), 1-2 servings, cooked to desired doneness.*
*These ingredients should all be cut to the length of the matchstick carrots. Doing so will “hide” the heathy stuff from your littles.
Directions:
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Pro Tip: For me, somedays cooking pasta on the stove takes too much focus and time. If you want a faster, hassle-free way to make pasta, try out Fasta Pasta (https://a.co/d/hJnLVHo)! It cooks your pasta right in the microwave, so you don’t have to babysit the stove and your kids! My husband is a huge fan of this product-especially on nights I’m working late.
- Sauté the veggies (or broccoli slaw) in your choice of oil or butter in a pan over medium heat until they are soft. Add garlic and herbs, and continue to sauté until garlic is fragrant. (FYI: If the veggies aren’t soft enough, you’re running the risk of your kids noticing the difference in the textures.)
- Add the pasta sauce to your sautéed veggies, stirring occasionally, until warm. You can mix in parmesan cheese to taste, if desired.
- Before you add your sauce to the cooked pasta, take a pair of kitchen shears and cut up the pasta about the same length of those sautéed veggies. Mix the sauce in with the pasta and top with parmesan cheese!
I am part of the Amazon Associates program and may receive compensation if you purchase products linked within this post.
Mama With Moxie 