Homeschooler's Cheesy Pasta with Hidden Veggies
A creamy, kid-approved pasta dish with hidden vegetables and a quick cheese sauce, designed for busy families. This american-inspired kid friendly ready in about 35 minutes pairs penne pasta, grated carrots, grated zucchini for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 6, 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 penne pasta
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1 cup grated zucchini
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp dried basil
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 12 oz penne pasta for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tbsp butter. Add 1 cup grated carrots and 1 cup grated zucchini, and cook 5 minutes until vegetables are tender and moisture evaporates.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp flour and cook 1 minute, then whisk in 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth until smooth. Simmer 3 minutes until thickened, then remove from heat.
- Step 4: Stir 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1 tsp dried basil into the sauce until melted. Add cooked penne, toss until coated, and serve immediately while hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Homeschooler's Cheesy Pasta with Hidden Veggies 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 Homeschooler's Cheesy Pasta with Hidden Veggies?
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 penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Homeschooler's Cheesy Pasta with Hidden Veggies?
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 Homeschooler's Cheesy Pasta with Hidden Veggies for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Homeschooler's Cheesy Pasta with Hidden Veggies?
American kid friendly 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
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 20-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 20-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
