Rainbow Tomato Pasta with Hidden Veggies
A bright, kid-approved tomato pasta featuring colorful bowtie shapes and a smooth sauce made with blended carrots and zucchini. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 31 minutes pairs bowtie pasta, zucchini, carrots 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
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
- 1/2 cup zucchini
- 1/2 cup carrots
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp dried basil
- pinch salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 8 oz bowtie pasta for 8 minutes until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat, then add 1/2 cup grated zucchini and 1/2 cup grated carrots; cook for 5 minutes until tender and moisture evaporates, stirring frequently.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup marinara sauce and 1/4 tsp dried basil, then simmer for 3 minutes until hot and fragrant. Add the drained pasta, toss to coat evenly, and stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and glossy.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Rainbow Tomato Pasta with Hidden Veggies take to make?
Total time is about 31 minutes (15 min prep + 16 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 Rainbow Tomato 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 bowtie pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Rainbow Tomato 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 Rainbow Tomato Pasta with Hidden Veggies 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 Rainbow Tomato Pasta with Hidden Veggies?
Italian 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
- ★★★★★
I've tried many pasta recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
