Are you tired of the endless battle to get your kids to eat healthy, plant-based meals? Look no further! This delightful vegan pasta dish is not only packed with nutrients but also bursting with flavors that even the pickiest eaters will love. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a colorful, mouthwatering meal that will have your little ones begging for seconds. With a cheesy twist from nutritional yeast and the vibrant crunch of spiralized zucchini, this recipe is a game-changer for family dinners. Get ready to transform mealtime into a fun and delicious adventure that your kids will adore!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup pasta of choice
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 zucchini, spiralized
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of pasta of your choice, 1 cup of marinara sauce, 1/2 cup of nutritional yeast, 1 zucchini (spiralized), 1 cup of baby spinach, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the spiralized zucchini to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender but still slightly crisp.
- After the zucchini has cooked, add the baby spinach to the skillet. Stir and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and reserve a little pasta water (about 1/4 cup) in case you need to loosen the sauce later. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the zucchini and spinach.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the pasta and vegetables. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Sprinkle the nutritional yeast over the pasta and mix well. This will add a cheesy flavor that kids often enjoy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook everything together for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through.
- Once ready, remove the skillet from heat. Serve the pasta in bowls, and consider garnishing with additional nutritional yeast or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.
- Encourage kids to dig in and enjoy their delicious vegan meal! You can also involve them in the cooking process to make it more fun and engaging.
Tips
- Involve the Kids: Let your children help with simple tasks like stirring the pasta or adding ingredients to the skillet. This involvement can make them more excited to eat what they've helped create!
- Customize the Pasta: Use fun-shaped pasta or whole grain options to make the dish visually appealing and nutritious. Kids often enjoy shapes like stars or animals!
- Add Extra Veggies: Sneak in more vegetables by adding bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli to the mix. The vibrant colors will make the dish more enticing.
- Make it Cheesy: If your kids love cheese, consider adding a sprinkle of vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for an extra cheesy flavor that will satisfy their cravings.
- Serve with a Side: Pair the pasta with a simple side salad or some garlic bread to create a complete meal that feels special.
- Experiment with Sauces: While marinara is a hit, don’t hesitate to experiment with other sauces like pesto or alfredo to keep things exciting and varied.
- Garnish Creatively: A little drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can elevate the dish and make it look more appealing on the plate.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
