Description
This recipe offers a kid-friendly cheesy pasta dish with hidden zucchini, perfect for busy parents. It aims to make mealtimes less stressful and more enjoyable for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium zucchini, grated (about 1 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces pasta (such as elbow macaroni, shells, or rotini)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
- Add grated zucchini and cook for 3-5 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, broth, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Add pasta to the simmering sauce, stirring to combine.
- Cover and cook according to pasta package directions, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
- Remove from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and milk until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
- Serve immediately, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- This recipe is a great way to sneak vegetables into your child’s meal without them noticing.
- You can adjust the amount of cheese to your liking.
- For a richer sauce, use whole milk instead of low-fat milk.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 35mg