Cheesy Veggie Spiral Pasta with Hidden Carrots
A vibrant spiral pasta dish with a creamy, carrot-infused cheese sauce that kids devour without noticing the sneaky vegetables. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs whole wheat spiral pasta, grated carrots, low-sodium chicken broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz whole wheat spiral pasta
- 1/2 cup grated carrots
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz whole wheat spiral pasta and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute until golden, then slowly whisk in 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth until smooth and bubbling.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup grated carrots and cook for 3 minutes until carrots are tender, then reduce heat to low. Gradually whisk in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth, then stir in 1 tsp dried parsley and 1/4 tsp salt until fully incorporated and sauce coats the back of a spoon.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cheesy Veggie Spiral Pasta with Hidden Carrots take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cheesy Veggie Spiral Pasta with Hidden Carrots?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep whole wheat spiral pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cheesy Veggie Spiral Pasta with Hidden Carrots?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cheesy Veggie Spiral Pasta with Hidden Carrots for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Cheesy Veggie Spiral Pasta with Hidden Carrots?
American pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 20-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
