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Pasta with Hidden Veggies

Easily sneak vegetables into your child's diet with these comforting pasta recipes designed for picky eaters.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 oz pasta (any shape) Rotini, shells, or bowties are recommended for picky eaters.
  • 1 cup frozen peas Can replace with other soft vegetables like spinach or finely chopped zucchini.
  • 2 tbsp butter or olive oil Used for flavoring the pasta.
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese Optional, for added taste and comfort.
Sauce Ingredients
  • 1 cup marinara sauce Use store-bought for convenience.
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar) Sprinkle on top before baking if desired.
Optional Proteins
  • 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken Optional, for added protein.
  • 1 can tuna Can be used in addition to pasta.

Method
 

Cooking Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
  3. Drain pasta and return to pot.
Adding Ingredients
  1. Stir in butter or olive oil.
  2. Add frozen peas and marinara sauce; mix until well combined.
  3. If using, add shredded chicken or tuna.
  4. Stir in shredded cheese, or sprinkle it on top.
Final Touches
  1. Bake in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes if you want a bubbly top.
  2. Serve warm and encourage kids to customize with more cheese on the side.

Notes

Experiment with different vegetables like finely chopped spinach or shredded zucchini. Keeping portions small makes new foods less intimidating. Let kids choose toppings.