Recipe: Family Friendly Veggie Pasta

Cooking with kids can be a fun and rewarding experience, and what better way to get them involved than with a delicious, wholesome, and family-friendly meal? This creamy veggie pasta is completely plant-based, packed with nutrients, and simple enough for little hands to help with. From stirring the sauce to assembling the ingredients, this recipe turns dinner into a fun activity while ensuring everyone enjoys a healthy and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz (340g) whole wheat or gluten-free pasta

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup carrots, finely diced

• 1 cup zucchini, finely diced

• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced

• 1 cup frozen peas

• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond, oat, or soy)

• 1/2 cup cashews (soaked in hot water for 15 minutes and drained)

• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté the Veggies: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add the carrots, zucchini, and bell pepper, and cook for another 5 minutes until slightly tender. Stir in the peas and cook for another minute.

3. Blend the Sauce: In a blender, combine the soaked cashews, plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika. Blend until smooth and creamy.

4. Combine Everything: Pour the creamy sauce into the pan with the sautéed vegetables, stirring well. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken.

5. Mix with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing everything together until evenly coated.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Sprinkle with fresh basil (if using) and serve warm. Let the kids sprinkle extra herbs or mix in their favorite toppings!
   

Kid-Friendly Cooking Tips:

• Let kids help by measuring ingredients, stirring the sauce, and adding veggies to the pan.

• Use fun-shaped pasta to make the meal more exciting for little ones.

• Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal.

This plant-based veggie pasta is a surefire hit with the whole family. It’s nutritious, delicious, and a great way to encourage kids to eat more veggies while having fun in the kitchen!