This simple family friendly pasta dish offers a hearty serving of veggies. Not only do I love the way this dish looks, but it is very easy to make! Combining multiple vegetables in a familiar pasta dish increases the likelihood for acceptance. The combination of carrots, red pepper and green beans in this recipe provides a wonderful source of vitamins and nutrients. Green beans are rich with antioxidants containing vitamin C and beta-carotene. They are low in calories and offer cardiovascular benefits that make them a heart healthy food. For an overview of essential vitamins and minerals your child needs, check out our Nutrient Chart.
Depending on the toddler and adult size portions, this recipe will serve five to seven.
Here is what you will need to make this recipe:
- 1/3 lbs fresh green beans, rinses and julienned
- 1/3 lbs carrots, peeled and julienned
- 1 red pepper, rinsed and julienned
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp parmesan cheese
- 1/3 package whole grain angel hair pasta or favorite pasta
Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt to the water, if desired. Add noodles and cook for approximately eight minutes.
While the pasta cooks, peel and julienne the carrots.
Note* Although the vegetables will soften as they cook, chop them to the size you desire. Feel free to chop veggies as small as you would like for smaller children.
Wash red pepper and chop.
Wash and slice green beans.
Add one tablespoon of butter to the pan and sauté the julienned vegetables. Cook for three minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another five minutes covered. Stir occasionally.
Have your little “hungry bear” help determine if the pasta is cooked by throwing a noodle against the wall. If it sticks its ready!
When the pasta is ready, drain and rinse.
Add the remaining two tablespoons of butter to the noodles and toss in the vegetables.
Finish with three tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
Serve warm and Enjoy! You can try this recipe with chicken or sweet Italian chicken sausage if you desire.