Kid's Rainbow Veggie Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Bright, colorful pasta with hidden vegetables and a fun, sweet-tart sauce that even picky eaters will love. This italian-inspired kid friendly ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, medium, grated zucchini, grated carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

★ 3.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add 1 grated zucchini, 2 grated carrots, and 1 diced red bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until vegetables are tender but still vibrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup low-sodium tomato sauce and 1/4 cup chicken broth. Simmer for 3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 1 tbsp honey and 1 tsp lemon zest. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
  5. Step 5: Add drained penne pasta to skillet and toss until evenly coated. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and serve immediately while warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Kid's Rainbow Veggie Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Kid's Rainbow Veggie Pasta?

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 Kid's Rainbow Veggie Pasta?

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's Rainbow Veggie Pasta 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 Kid's Rainbow Veggie Pasta?

Italian 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.

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