Kid-Friendly Veggie Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce
A simple and colorful pasta dish loaded with mild vegetables in a fresh tomato basil sauce, perfect for little appetites. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes blends penne pasta, olive oil, medium, finely diced carrot into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 330 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, finely diced carrot
- 1 small, finely diced zucchini
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add 12 oz penne pasta. Cook for 10-12 minutes until tender but firm to bite, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 finely diced carrot and 1 finely diced zucchini and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften.
- Step 3: Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, then stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce and stir well to coat. Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the top before serving warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Kid-Friendly Veggie Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Kid-Friendly Veggie Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Kid-Friendly Veggie Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce?
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 Kid-Friendly Veggie Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce 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.
Is Kid-Friendly Veggie Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
