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In today’s fast-paced world, finding quick, healthy, and kid-friendly meals can be a challenge. Enter the Quick Veggie-Packed Pasta Primavera, a delightful dish that is not only colorful and appetizing but also packed with nutritious vegetables. This recipe is designed to entice even the pickiest of eaters, making it a perfect choice for busy families. In this article, we will explore the benefits of incorporating veggies into kids' meals, the step-by-step preparation of this dish, and some insights into its nutritional value.

Quick Veggie-Packed Pasta Primavera for Kids

Discover the joy of Quick Veggie-Packed Pasta Primavera, a nutritious and colorful meal that even the pickiest eaters will love. This simple recipe combines farfalle pasta with a medley of fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, broccoli, and bell peppers, all sautéed to perfection. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it also encourages healthy eating habits in kids. Explore how to create this delightful dish that makes mealtime fun and engaging for the whole family.
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Ingredients
  

8 oz farfalle (bowtie pasta) or any preferred shape

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup broccoli florets

1 cup zucchini, diced

1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced

1 cup baby spinach

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Boil the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.

    Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cherry tomatoes, broccoli florets, and zucchini. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are tender but still colorful.

      Add Bell Peppers and Spinach: Stir in the sliced bell peppers and baby spinach, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the bell peppers soften.

        Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together, and if the pasta seems dry, gradually add a bit of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is achieved.

          Finish with Cheese: If using, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. Allow it to melt and coat the pasta and veggies nicely.

            Serve: Divide the pasta primavera into kid-friendly portions. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a little extra Parmesan if desired. Enjoy your colorful and nutritious dish!

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 4 servings