Pasta for the Kids
Perfectly crafted with little ones in mind, “Pasta for the Kids” is a quick, wholesome meal that balances nutrition and flavor in every bite. Featuring tender penne or fusilli pasta coated in a rich, veggie-packed tomato sauce, this recipe sneaks in grated carrot and zucchini for a subtle touch of sweetness and an extra boost of nutrients. Flavored with kid-friendly herbs like oregano and basil, and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, it’s a dish that’s simple yet irresistibly delicious. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy dinner idea is perfect for busy weeknights and sure to become a family favorite. Serve it warm, optionally garnished with fresh parsley, and watch as your little ones clean their plates!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 grams pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 1 medium zucchini, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 400 grams canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 50 grams grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional), chopped
- 2 liters water
- 1 teaspoon salt for boiling pasta
Instructions
Fill a large pot with 2 liters of water and bring it to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water.
Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions (usually 8-12 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent.
Stir in the grated carrot, grated zucchini, and minced garlic. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.
Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes and mix well.
Add the dried oregano, dried basil, 0.5 teaspoons of salt, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir to combine.
Simmer the sauce on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.
Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
Sprinkle 50 grams of grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and mix well.
Serve the pasta warm, optionally garnished with chopped fresh parsley for added flavor and color.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1146 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 47.5 g | 61% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.2 g | 76% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 50 mg | 17% | |
| Sodium | 4610 mg | 200% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 143.2 g | 52% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.0 g | 64% | |
| Total Sugars | 34.8 g | ||
| Protein | 46.9 g | 94% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 911 mg | 70% | |
| Iron | 7.9 mg | 44% | |
| Potassium | 2414 mg | 51% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
