Kid's Rainbow Veggie Pasta
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, zucchini, 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 medium, grated zucchini
- 2, grated carrots
- 1, finely diced red bell pepper
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup low-sodium tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 4: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 1 tbsp honey and 1 tsp lemon zest. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- 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.
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this kid's are incredible.
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
