Looking for a meal that will make your kids' mouths water while keeping it healthy and vegan? Look no further! This delightful "Kids Mouths Water Vegan Meals" recipe combines the comforting goodness of pasta with vibrant veggies and a rich marinara sauce that even the pickiest eaters will love. With just 40 minutes of your time, you can whip up a colorful, nutritious dish that promises to please the whole family. Get ready to discover how easy it is to create a meal that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup pasta
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Nutritional yeast for topping
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of pasta, 1 jar of marinara sauce, 1 diced zucchini, 1 cup of spinach, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and nutritional yeast for topping.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Rinse the zucchini and spinach under cold water. Dice the zucchini into small, bite-sized pieces. Set aside the diced zucchini and spinach.
- In a separate large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced zucchini and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes tender and slightly golden.
- Add the spinach to the skillet with the zucchini and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until the spinach wilts down.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and return it to the pot. Pour the marinara sauce over the pasta and stir to combine.
- Add the sautéed zucchini and spinach mixture to the pot with the pasta and marinara sauce. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and mix everything together until well combined.
- Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure everything is heated through.
- Once heated, remove from heat and serve the pasta in bowls. Top each serving with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for added flavor and a cheesy texture.
- Enjoy your delicious and kid-friendly vegan meal!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can chop the zucchini and rinse the spinach ahead of time. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother and quicker.
- Pasta Choice: Feel free to use your favorite type of pasta, whether it’s whole grain, gluten-free, or chickpea pasta. Each option adds its own unique flavor and texture to the dish.
- Customize the Veggies: If your kids have other favorite vegetables, don’t hesitate to swap them in! Bell peppers, carrots, or even broccoli can be great additions.
- Add Protein: For an extra protein boost, consider adding some cooked lentils or chickpeas to the pasta before serving.
- Flavor Boost: Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat or a splash of lemon juice for brightness before serving.
- Make it Cheesy: Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor, but if your kids enjoy a creamier texture, consider tossing in a spoonful of vegan cream cheese or cashew cream.
- Leftover Magic: This dish makes great leftovers! Store any uneaten portions in the fridge for a quick and easy meal the next day.Enjoy crafting this delicious vegan meal that’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
